Vishmi Gunaratne missed a fifty by one run, but Sri Lanka still found a way past Scotland to keep their winning start intact in the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy. Pakistan also made it two wins from two on Friday, while Ireland and Bangladesh opened their accounts with substantial victories in Ajman.
The four results in the ICC’s day-two report gave the competition two different stories: teams extending a strong start and teams repairing an opening defeat. Sri Lanka’s chase was the closest finish, with Scotland making them work for a four-wicket victory rather than allowing a straightforward pursuit.
Gunaratne gets Sri Lanka close
Darcey Carter’s 62 gave Scotland the largest individual contribution in their 111/8. Sugandika Kumari returned 2/15 and Sathya Sandeepani 2/18, keeping Sri Lanka’s target within reach without making the chase automatic.
Gunaratne made 49 and Harshitha Samarawickrama added 24. Abtaha Maqsood’s 3/18 ensured Scotland kept taking wickets, but Sri Lanka reached 115/6 in 18.1 overs. They had 11 balls left, though six wickets lost underline why the result should not be read as an effortless chase.
Pakistan’s total survives Thailand’s challenge
Ayesha Zafar finished unbeaten on 59 as Pakistan reached 180/2, with Shawaal Zulfiqar contributing 42. Thailand’s response contained useful scores from Natthakan Chantham, who made 43, and Phannita Maya, who made 33.
Tasmia Rubab’s 4/18 gave Pakistan the decisive bowling return. Thailand ended on 156/8, leaving Pakistan winners by 24 runs. The contrast with Sri Lanka’s match was clear: Pakistan had a substantial total to defend, whereas Sri Lanka had to navigate repeated wickets in a smaller chase.
Lewis and Dilara lead the recoveries
Gaby Lewis made 71 as Ireland posted 171/5 against the UAE. Esha Oza’s 51 supplied resistance for the hosts, but 110/8 left them 61 runs short. Cara Murray and Aimee Maguire took two wickets each.
Bangladesh’s reply to Zimbabwe was more comfortable. Rabeya Khan took 3/26 and Disha Biswas 2/13 as Zimbabwe finished on 131/7. Dilara Akter’s unbeaten 68 and Shathi Rani’s 45 then took Bangladesh to 132/1 in 17.3 overs, securing a nine-wicket win.
The results leave Sri Lanka and Pakistan with momentum, while Ireland and Bangladesh have a first win to build on. Those are different starting positions for the next fixtures, rather than a verdict on qualification: there is still tournament cricket to play.
