Half-centuries from Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin powered Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI, establishing a 1-0 lead in the ICC Women’s Championship (2025-29) series on Thursday.

Gull Feroza anchored the chase with a brilliant 78 – marking her second ODI half-century alongside two hundreds in just eight matches. Meanwhile, Sidra Amin, making a strong return after being left out of the squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, compiled a solid 57. Their efforts helped Pakistan chase down a competitive target of 211 in 43 overs against a formidable Sri Lankan spin attack.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a flying start as Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shamas (20) built a brisk 58-run opening partnership off just 60 deliveries. Following Sadaf’s departure, Gull Feroza joined forces with Sidra Amin to put together a crucial 90-run stand for the second wicket from 114 balls.

After Gull Feroza’s dismissal, Sidra kept the momentum going with Ayesha Zafar, adding 36 runs off 45 balls for the third wicket. Ayesha ultimately saw Pakistan home, remaining unbeaten on 27 off 31 deliveries, including a four and a six.

Gull Feroza, who was named Player of the Match, played a dominant hand, striking 11 boundaries in her quick-fire, 83-ball 78. Sidra, playing in her landmark 90th ODI, anchored her innings beautifully, facing 94 balls and hitting five boundaries to register her 17th career half-century (complemented by her six career ODI hundreds).

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, posting 210 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Nilakshika Silva top-scored for the hosts with 46 runs each. Athapaththu struck six boundaries in her 67-ball knock, while Silva’s aggressive 50-ball stay featured two fours.

Hasini Perera (35), Kavisha Dilhari (35), and Vishmi Gunaratne (28) also made valuable contributions to the total.

Left-arm orthodox Nashra Sandhu was once again the standout bowler for Pakistan, dismantling Sri Lanka’s middle order with excellent figures of 3 for 42 from her 10 overs. Tasmia Rubab provided great support with 2 for 34, while Fatima Sana, Umm-e-Hani, and Syeda Aroob Shah chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Scores in brief:

First ODI – Pakistan Women beat Sri Lanka Women by five wickets, Hambantota

SRI LANKA WOMEN 210-9, 50 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 46, Nilakshika Silva 46, Hasini Perera 35, Kavisha Dilhari 35, Vishmi Gunaratne 28; Nashra Sundhu 3-42, Tasmia Rubab 2-34)

PAKISTAN WOMEN 211-5, 43 overs (Gull Feroza 78, Sidra Amin 57, Ayesha Zafar 27 not out, Sadaf Shamas 20; Kavisha Dilhari 2-37)

Player of the match – Gull Feroza (Pakistan)

Next matches:

2^nd ODI – 25 July

3^rd ODI – 28 July