Pakistan Women ‘A’ secured a place in the semi-finals of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars after registering a commanding nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates women’s cricket team in their final group-stage fixture.
The match, played at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, saw Pakistan chase down a modest 80-run target in emphatic fashion. Entering the contest with qualification on the line, Pakistan needed to reach the total within 15.5 overs to edge ahead on net run-rate, a task they completed comfortably in just 11 overs.
Openers laid a solid platform before Shawaal Zulfiqar and Huraina Sajjad combined to finish the job with an unbeaten 56-run partnership.
Shawaal anchored the innings with 38 not out off 31 balls, striking five boundaries and a six, while Huraina contributed a brisk 26 not out from 19 deliveries, including five fours. Their composed stand ensured Pakistan overtook UAE in net run-rate despite both teams ending the group stage with four points.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowling attack dismantled the UAE batting lineup, dismissing them for just 79 in 17.2 overs. Left-arm spinner Anosha Nasir led the charge with an impressive 3 for 18, earning player-of-the-match honors and reducing UAE to 58 for 5 during the middle overs.
Captain Hafsa Khalid applied further pressure with two quick wickets, while Gull Rukh and Momina Riasat chipped in with one dismissal each as UAE lost five wickets for only 11 runs late in the innings.
For UAE, Theertha Satish top-scored with 32, while Rinita Rajith added 14, but the rest of the batting order struggled to build partnerships against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
With the convincing win, Pakistan ‘A’ advanced to the semi-finals scheduled for February 20. The remaining qualification spots from the other group are expected to be filled by Bangladesh ‘A’ and Sri Lanka ‘A’, pending final confirmation.
