Pakistan women’s team suffered a defeat against Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday, as they edged past Pakistan by three wickets to secure their place in the final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024.
Chasing a target of 141 runs, the hosts clinched victory in the final over, despite a shaky start that saw them at 19-2 after four overs, following the early dismissals of Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama.
Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu played a captain’s knock once again, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 63 off 48 balls, including ten boundaries.
Her efforts kept the chase alive, while Anushka Sanjeewani contributed a vital 24 runs lower down the order to help The Islanders reach the target with just one ball to spare, thanks to a decisive wide delivery bowled by Pakistan’s captain Nida Dar in the final over.
For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first and put up a competitive total of 141 runs. Openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali provided a solid start, building a 61-run partnership before Udeshika Prabodhani dismissed both in quick succession.
Feroza scored 25 from the top order while Muneeba tried to anchor the innings at the start with her sumptuous knock of 37 runs from 34 deliveries.
Despite a quick 23 from skipper Dar and late contributions from Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz who scored 23 and 16 runs respectively, Pakistan’s innings couldn’t reach an imposing total.
Sri Lankan bowlers Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari were instrumental, each taking two wickets to keep Pakistan in check.
Sri Lanka will now face India in the final on July 28 in Dambulla, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Women’s Asia Cup.
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