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Sri Lanka Women produced a dominant batting display to defeat Pakistan Women by eight wickets in the first semi-final of the Asian Games Women’s 2026 at Korogi Sports Park. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 177/4 in their allotted 20 overs, but Sri Lanka chased down the target with 13 balls to spare. Chamari Athapaththu led the successful chase with a brilliant 83 off 50 balls, setting up a convincing victory for Sri Lanka.
Ayesha Zafar leads Pakistan’s competitive total
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, but Pakistan’s batters managed to put pressure on the bowling attack during the latter stages of their innings. Pakistan lost Gull Feroza for a duck early, but Shawaal Zulfiqar steadied the innings with a 50-ball 54. Her innings included three fours and two sixes as she provided an important foundation.
Saira Jabeen contributed 17 off 14 balls before Ayesha Zafar took control of the innings. Zafar played an attacking knock of 71 from just 40 deliveries, smashing nine fours and two sixes. Her aggressive strokeplay helped Pakistan accelerate and build a strong total after a relatively cautious start.
Fatima Sana added valuable runs late in the innings, scoring 20 off 12 balls with two fours and a six, while Eyman Fatima finished with an unbeaten five off three deliveries. Pakistan eventually reached 177/4 from their 20 overs.
For Sri Lanka, Sugandika Kumari was among the most economical bowlers, finishing with 1/31 from her four overs. Athapaththu also claimed a wicket while Kawya Kavindi returned figures of 1/13 from her two overs. Despite taking three wickets, Sri Lanka conceded runs at a high rate during the final stages of the Pakistan innings.
Chamari Athapaththu produces match-winning masterclass
Sri Lanka’s chase began positively, with Imesha Dulani contributing 27 from 21 balls, including five fours. However, the innings truly came alive when Athapaththu launched an aggressive assault on the Pakistan bowling attack. Athapaththu smashed 83 runs from only 50 deliveries, hitting seven fours and six sixes. Her combination of clean hitting and controlled strokeplay kept Sri Lanka comfortably ahead of the required rate throughout the chase. She formed a crucial partnership with Hasini Perera, who added 42 from 26 balls with three fours and three sixes.
After Athapaththu’s dismissal, Harshitha Samarawickrama ensured there was no late twist, scoring an unbeaten 17 from 12 deliveries. Sri Lanka reached 178/2 in 17.5 overs, completing the chase with eight wickets in hand and 13 balls remaining. Pakistan struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s attacking approach during the chase. Fatima was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, taking 1/24 in three overs, while Nashra Sandhu also claimed one wicket in her 3.5 overs. However, Sri Lanka’s batters maintained the momentum from the opening stages and never allowed Pakistan to build sustained pressure. Athapaththu’s commanding innings proved decisive, while Perera provided excellent support in the middle overs. The Islanders will now face the winner of India versus Bangladesh 2nd semi-final match for the battle of Gold medal.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
