Gunaratne 123 and Samarawickrama 100* fuel 274 chase to level series 1-1

Gunaratne’s 123 and Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 100 powered a successful pursuit of 274, leaving the two teams level at 1-1 in the series. Pakistan's competitive total wasn't enough despite an unbeaten century from Sidra Amin

The match was defined by the two big centuries in the chase, which overturned a challenging target of 274. Those individual efforts were the backbone of the reply and ensured the match finished all square in terms of wins. Pakistan had earlier compiled a competitive score that included Sidra Amin’s unbeaten hundred.

Gunaratne led the way with a dominant 123, while Samarawickrama remained not out on 100 to see the chase home. Their contributions removed much of the pressure on the middle order and allowed the batting side to control the tempo during the crucial phases. The pair’s innings proved decisive against a bowling attack that had earlier restricted the opposition to a defendable total.

From the outset of the reply the partnership momentum shifted steadily in favor of the chasers, with both century-makers rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Their combined display neutralized attempts to force a breakthrough and kept the required rate manageable as the chase progressed. Fielding efforts and tactical bowling changes could not prevent the two batters from steering the innings to its target.

For Pakistan, Sidra Amin’s unbeaten century stood out as the primary resistance, but it ultimately proved insufficient to secure victory. The earlier total had looked competitive at the time it was set, yet the match turned on the strength of the two hundreds in the chase. That contrast between the standout innings for each side determined the final outcome.

The match result leaves the series tied at 1-1, with the contest notable for the twin centuries that dominated the scoreboard and for Sidra Amin’s lone hundred in reply. Both sides will reflect on the margins that decided this game as they prepare for the remaining fixtures. The finale of the series now carries added significance with the teams level.