Pakistan’s Gold Medal Dream Ends in Semi-Final Defeat to Sri Lanka

NISSHIN: Pakistan’s quest for Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket gold came to an end on Sunday as Sri Lanka secured a convincing eight-wicket victory in the first semi-final at Korogi Sports Park.

After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 177-4 from their 20 overs, with Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar putting together a record 115-run partnership to rescue the innings after an early setback.

Ayesha led the scoring with an impressive 71 from just 40 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes. Shawaal also made a valuable contribution, scoring 54 off 50 deliveries with two fours and two sixes.

Pakistan suffered an early blow when opener Gull Feroza was dismissed without scoring from the first ball. Saira Jabeen added 17 off 14 balls, while captain Fatima Sana provided a late boost with 20 from 12 deliveries, hitting two fours and a six.

Sugandika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu and Kawya Kavindi picked up one wicket apiece for Sri Lanka, while Ayesha was run out.

Sri Lanka made light work of the 178-run target, reaching 181-2 in only 17.5 overs to book their place in the gold medal match.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu led the successful chase with a superb unbeaten 83 off 50 balls. Her innings featured seven fours and six sixes. Hasini Perera played an important supporting role, scoring 42 from 26 deliveries with three fours and two sixes.

Imesha Dulani contributed 27, while Harshitha Samarawickrama scored 17 at the top of the order.

Nashra Sandhu and Fatima Sana were the only Pakistan bowlers to find success, taking one wicket each. The remaining bowlers could not make further breakthroughs as Sri Lanka comfortably completed the chase.

Sri Lanka will now meet the winner of the second semi-final between India and Bangladesh in the gold medal match. Pakistan, meanwhile, will compete for the bronze medal against the losing side from the other semi-final.