Fatima Sana’s Late Heroics Send Pakistan Into Semifinals
News Desk
Nisshin: Pakistan survived a tense quarterfinal scare against Thailand, overcoming a late collapse to secure a three-wicket victory and book their place in the women’s cricket semifinals at the Asian Games.
Chasing a revised target of 92 in 11 overs at Korogi Sports Park, Pakistan appeared to be cruising early in the innings before Thailand’s bowlers turned the contest on its head.
Pakistan raced to 33 in the opening three overs, with Shawaal Zulfiqar providing the early momentum. But her dismissal in the fourth over triggered a dramatic slowdown, as Thailand’s offspinner Onnicha Kamchomphu tore through Pakistan’s middle order with three wickets.
With the asking rate climbing to 11 an over, Pakistan needed a spark — and their captain provided it.
Fatima Sana launched a counterattack against Kamchomphu, smashing three fours and a six in a crucial over. Eyman Fatima then added another six as Pakistan plundered 25 runs from the over, suddenly turning a difficult chase into a winnable one.
Sana’s 21-run cameo ended soon after, leaving Pakistan with another nervous finish. Eyman also departed in the penultimate over, but Tuba Hassan held her nerve, hitting a six and a four to bring Pakistan within touching distance.
With four runs needed from the final over, Pakistan kept their composure and completed the chase in 10.4 overs, sealing a three-wicket victory with two balls to spare.
Earlier, Pakistan had chosen to field after a wet outfield reduced the match to 11 overs.
Thailand made 91 for four, largely thanks to Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who anchored the innings with a crucial 49. She struck four boundaries and remained Thailand’s main source of runs before Fatima Sana trapped her leg before wicket in the final over.
Sana had already made an impact with the ball, finishing with two wickets for 22 runs.
Thailand’s innings also featured a late surge from captain Naruemol Chaiwai, who struck a six and a four off her first two deliveries after Phannita Maya was retired out. Chaiwai fell immediately afterwards, but Thailand still managed to post a competitive total.
Pakistan’s victory came despite a strong challenge from Kamchomphu, who finished with three wickets for 37 runs, while Suleeporn Laomi and Sunida Chaturongrattana also kept the pressure on the Pakistani batters.
The result sends Pakistan into the Asian Games semifinals after a contest that appeared to be slipping away before their captain’s timely counterattack changed the momentum.
Bangladesh Advance After Washout
Earlier, Bangladesh secured a place in the semifinals after their quarterfinal against Hong Kong, China ended without a result because of the wet outfield at Korogi Sports Park.
Bangladesh progressed on the basis of their higher seeding, while the persistent rain and wet conditions denied both sides a chance to settle the contest on the field.
