Sri Lanka Knock Pakistan Out of Asia Cup

News Desk

Dubai: Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling second semi-final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai, securing their place in the final for the second consecutive edition.

Pakistan, after being sent in to bat, posted 130 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Fatima Sana led the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 36 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.

Shawaal Zulfiqar contributed 24 runs, while Gull Feroza scored 21 and Tuba Hassan remained unbeaten on 12.

For Sri Lanka, captain Chamari Athapaththu and Chamodi Prabodhani claimed two wickets each, while Sugandika Kumari took one.

Chasing 131, Sri Lanka suffered an early collapse and were reduced to 33 for four. Athapaththu was dismissed for five, Sanjana Kavindi fell for a duck and Hasini Perera managed only three runs.

However, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari steadied the innings with a crucial 67-run partnership. Harshitha scored 36 off 31 balls, while Dilhari made 33 off 33.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana produced an impressive bowling performance, taking four wickets for 38 runs in 3.4 overs. Sadia Iqbal and Umm-e-Hani picked up one wicket each.

Despite Pakistan’s efforts, Nilakshi de Silva and Kushani Nuthyangana held their nerve in the closing stages to take Sri Lanka over the line. De Silva remained unbeaten on 18, while Nuthyangana smashed an unbeaten 10 off just four balls as Sri Lanka reached 131 for six in 18.4 overs.

With the victory, defending champions Sri Lanka advanced to the final, where they will face India in Dubai on September 13.

Pakistan’s campaign ended in the semi-final, while Sri Lanka will now seek to retain the Women’s T20 Asia Cup title.