Historic victory for Pakistan

CANBERRA // After a week of soul searching for the country, Pakistan's female cricketers finally gave them something to smile about again by winning their first ICC World Cup match. Ironically, the team they beat were Sri Lanka, whose men's team had been the target of gunmen who killed seven members of the convoy escorting them to the Lahore ground.

Qanita Jalil claimed three wickets as Pakistan triumphed by 57 runs. Pakistan posted 161 for seven from their 50 overs before dismissing winless Sri Lanka for 101 in less than 40 overs. It was Pakistan's first win over Sri Lanka in 16 meetings, and their first World Cup win in six attempts. "There is always a first time and I am glad that we ended our win drought in the World Cup and also against Sri Lanka," said the Pakistan captain Urooj Mumtaz, whose side lost to India in their first match but now face England.

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