Sri Lanka storm into Asian Games final, crush Pakistan by 8 wickets

Sri Lanka Women produced a commanding batting display to defeat Pakistan Women by eight wickets in the first semi-final of the 2026 Asian Games women’s cricket tournament in Nisshin, Japan, booking their place in the gold-medal match.

Put into bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 177 for four from their 20 overs. Ayesha Zafar provided the main spark with a brisk 71, while Shawaal Zulfiqar contributed a valuable 54 to give Pakistan a strong platform.

The total, however, proved insufficient as Sri Lanka’s experienced top order took control of the chase almost immediately.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu delivered the performance Pakistan had hoped to avoid. The left-hander played an aggressive yet controlled unbeaten innings of 83, smashing seven fours and six sixes. Her calculated assault kept the required run rate comfortably within reach and turned the chase into a one-sided contest.

Athapaththu found excellent support from Hasini Perera, who scored 42, as Sri Lanka steadily dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack. The pair ensured that Pakistan struggled to create sustained pressure during the chase.

Sri Lanka eventually reached the target at 178 for two in 17.5 overs, with 13 balls still remaining. The emphatic victory secured their place in the Asian Games final, where they will compete for the gold medal.

For Pakistan, the defeat ended their hopes of reaching the gold-medal match. Their attention will now turn to the bronze-medal match, where they will have another opportunity to finish the tournament with a medal.

The result also underlined Athapaththu’s importance to Sri Lanka. After already playing a major role in the team’s run to the Women’s Asia Cup final earlier this month, the captain once again produced a match-defining innings when her side needed it most.

With Sri Lanka now through to the final, the Asian Games women’s cricket competition moves closer to its medal-deciding stage, with the remaining semifinal determining their championship opponent.