Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by four wickets to reach Women’s Asia Cup final

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday to secure their place in the final of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup.

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday to secure their place in the final of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup.

Chasing a target of 131, Sri Lanka reached 132 for six in 18.5 overs to complete the victory and end Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.

Pakistan had earlier posted 130 for five in their allotted 20 overs, with captain Fatima Sana producing a crucial late-innings performance to give her team a competitive total.

Pakistan suffered an early setback when opener Muneeba Ali was dismissed for just two runs. Gull Feroza then joined Shawaal Zulfiqar at the crease and the pair added 24 runs for the second wicket.

Feroza scored 21 from 32 deliveries while Shawaal Zulfiqar provided some attacking momentum with 24 off 16 balls, including two sixes and two fours.

However, Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession after the partnership and were reduced to 52 for four at the halfway stage of their innings.

Fatima Sana then steadied the innings and built two important partnerships to help Pakistan recover. The captain remained unbeaten on 47 from 36 balls striking four boundaries and two sixes as Pakistan reached 130 for five.

For Sri Lanka, Chamudi Praboda and captain Chamari Athapaththu were the leading wicket-takers, claiming two wickets each.

Sri Lanka made a confident start to the chase and maintained enough control despite losing six wickets. They eventually reached the target with seven deliveries to spare, securing a four-wicket victory and a place in the Asia Cup final.

The result ends Pakistan’s hopes of lifting the Women’s Asia Cup, while Sri Lanka advance to the title decider after successfully chasing the 131-run target.

Sri Lanka’s playing XI included Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu, Sanjana Kavindi, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda and Mitali Ayodhya.

Pakistan were represented by Muneeba Ali, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Eyman Fatima, Umm-e-Hani, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal.