Pakistan Women batter Sidra Amin remains optimistic about her team’s chances in the decisive third ODI against Sri Lanka, saying the players will give their all to win the series.
Reflecting on her unbeaten century in the second ODI, Sidra said Asian pitches are generally on the slower side, but the Hambantota surface offered better batting conditions than expected.
“Asian pitches are usually a bit slow, but this wicket was comparatively better. Sri Lanka’s bowlers started with pace but later switched back to slower deliveries, which made batting a little difficult,” she said.
Sidra credited Pakistan’s partnerships for helping the team post a competitive total of 273.
“The good thing was that we kept building partnerships. We were scoring consistently, which helped us put a good total on the board.”
She revealed that the team’s batting plan was to maintain momentum throughout the innings.
“Our discussion in the middle was simple – the runs should not stop. Whenever there was an opportunity to score boundaries, we wanted to take it so that the scoreboard kept moving.”
Speaking about her own approach, Sidra said her role is to build the innings and bat deep to provide stability for the team.
“I always try to build my innings. The message from the dressing room is also for me to bat long so the other batters can play around me. As a batter, my responsibility is to stay at the crease and contribute as much as possible for the team.”
Sidra also praised Ayesha Zafar for her positive batting during their crucial partnership.
“Ayesha batted really well. The ball was coming nicely onto her bat, so I focused on rotating the strike and giving her as much of the strike as possible.”
Commenting on Pakistan’s bowling performance, Sidra admitted the team did not execute its plans as effectively as they had hoped.
“I think we bowled too much on the off side. In the next match, we will bowl according to our plans.”
Looking ahead to the series decider, Sidra expressed confidence in her team’s ability to bounce back.
“The last match will decide the series. Sri Lanka are a good team, but we will give everything we have to win.”
