Sri Lanka: Debutant Sanjana Kavindi and captain Chamari Athapaththu smashed rapid cameos to help Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan by six wickets in the second Twenty20 International on Sunday, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a challenging target of 176 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, the hosts paced their chase clinically to cross the finish line with 14 balls to spare, ending on 178 for four in 17.4 overs.

The visitors had earlier ridden on a blazing 90-run opening stand between captain Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar to post a formidable 175 for five after opting to bat first.

Pakistan enjoyed a flying start, racing to 68 without loss in the powerplay. Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scored with a 35-ball 48 that featured eight boundaries while Muneeba struck six fours and a six in her 30-ball 45.

Sri Lanka’s Chamudi Praboda broke the opening stand and finished as the pick of the bowlers with two for 27. Despite losing both openers in quick succession, Pakistan maintained their scoring momentum through Eman Naseer (21) and Saira Jabeen (16).

Eyman Fatima provided late fireworks, striking an unbeaten 30 off 19 balls, including three fours and two sixes, to guide Pakistan to a competitive total.

In reply, Sri Lanka lost Imesha Dulani (5) early to Waheeda Akhtar, but Athapaththu quickly turned the tide with a blistering 15-ball 40, punishing the Pakistan attack with five fours and three sixes.

Pakistan spinner Umm-e-Hani halted the onslaught by dismissing Athapaththu and later removing Vishmi Gunaratne for 31, finishing with figures of two for 28.

However, player of the match Kavindi anchors the chase with a spectacular 46 off 24 balls in her maiden international outing. Harshitha Samarawickrama (37 not out) and Kavisha Dilhari (14 not out) then steered Sri Lanka home comfortably.

The final T20I will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.