A blistering chase anchored by a debutant's 46 off 24 balls powered Sri Lanka women to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second T20 International in Dambulla on Sunday, securing the three-match series with a game to spare. The hosts overhauled a challenging 176-run target in just 17.4 overs, turning what looked like a closely contested match into a commanding statement on home soil. Main Developments Pakistan's innings was built on a blazing 90-run opening partnership, with captain Muneeba Ali smashing 45 off 30 balls and Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scoring with 48 off 35 deliveries. The pair put on 68 runs inside the powerplay, setting a platform that allowed the middle order to accelerate freely. Read also: Asim Khan stuns top seed Noor Zaman to reach semi-finals Eyman Fatima provided the late fireworks, striking an unbeaten 30 from just 19 balls with two sixes, helping Pakistan pile on 46 runs in the final five overs to reach 175-5. Chamudi Praboda was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, claiming 2-27 from her four overs. In response, Sri Lanka lost Imesha Dulani early, but captain Chamari Athapaththu counter-attacked ferociously with a 15-ball 40, including three sixes. Umm-e-Hani removed both Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne to finish with 2-28, but the damage had already been done. Sanjana Kavindi, playing her first T20I, delivered a match-winning knock of 46 off 24 balls, while Harshitha Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 37 from 22 deliveries. Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with 14 not out as the hosts sealed victory with 13 balls remaining. Background The series opener had set the stage for a competitive contest, with both sides showcasing aggressive batting intent early on. Sri Lanka's chase was marked by calculated risk-taking, particularly from Athapaththu, whose rapid-fire 40 shifted momentum decisively in the hosts' favour after the early loss of Dulani. Pakistan's bowling attack struggled to contain Sri Lanka's middle order, with only Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar making meaningful breakthroughs. The visitors' fielding pressure that had built during their own innings evaporated as the hosts' run rate climbed steadily past the required rate. Why It Matters The series victory represents a significant milestone for Sri Lanka women, who demonstrated depth in their batting lineup with a debutant stepping up in a pressure chase. For Pakistan, the loss exposes concerns about their bowling attack's ability to defend competitive totals against aggressive batting lineups. Winning the series with a match to spare gives Sri Lanka valuable momentum heading into Tuesday's dead rubber, while Pakistan will be forced to reassess their strategies with an eye on future bilateral assignments. What's Next The third and final T20 International will be played at the same venue, the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, on Tuesday. With the series already decided, both teams may use the opportunity to test bench depth and give younger players experience in international cricket.