The Women's T20 World Cup will kick off with a match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, two teams with a history of close battles in the T20 format. The two sides have met in T20Is 20 times, with Pakistan holding a slight edge with 10 wins. Sri Lanka, the Asian champions, will hope to start their campaign on a winning note as they face Pakistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Women's T20 World Cup: Pakistan and Sri Lanka Kick Off Tournament with Historic Clash
The Women's T20 World Cup 2023 is set to commence with a thrilling clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, two teams renowned for their fierce rivalry in the shortest format of the game. The match, scheduled to take place on February 12 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, promises to be a battle of equals with both sides harboring a rich history of close encounters.
Historical Background:
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have crossed paths 20 times in T20 Internationals, with Pakistan holding a narrow advantage of 10 wins to Sri Lanka's 9. The matches between these two sides have often been fiercely contested, with each team tasting victory at crucial moments.
In the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup in 2009, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in a match that went down to the wire. Sri Lanka, however, got their revenge in the 2012 edition, pulling off a stunning 14-run victory over Pakistan in the Super 8 stage.
Current Form and Expectations:
Pakistan enters the tournament on the back of a highly successful 2022, having reached the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games and winning the ACC Women's T20 Championship. Skipper Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar, and Ayesha Naseem will be key players for the side.
Sri Lanka, the reigning Asian champions, will be looking to continue their impressive form. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, who recently became the first-ever woman to score a century in all three formats of international cricket, will be a major threat to Pakistan.
Top 5 FAQs about the Match:
When and where is the match taking place? March 12, 2023, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates.
Who won the previous T20 encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka? Pakistan won the last match by 7 wickets in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Who is the favorite to win the match? Pakistan holds a slight edge in terms of recent form and overall record.
What are the key players to watch out for? Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka), Bismah Maroof (Pakistan), Nida Dar (Pakistan).
What are the implications of the match for both teams? A victory will give Pakistan a boost of confidence and put them in a strong position in Group 2, while Sri Lanka will aim to start their campaign with a positive result and gain momentum for the rest of the tournament.
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