Nisshin, September 20, 2026: Pakistan’s hopes of winning the gold medal in the Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket competition were dashed on Sunday as they suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in the first semi-final at Korogi Sports Park.
Batting first after being asked to set a target, Pakistan posted 177-4 in their allotted 20 overs, largely due to a record 115-run partnership between Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar.
Ayesha top-scored with 71 off 40 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries and two sixes, while Shawaal contributed 54 off 50 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Pakistan endured a difficult start when opener Gull Feroza was dismissed for a first-ball duck. Saira Jabeen added 17 off 14 balls, including three boundaries, while captain Fatima Sana scored 20 off 12 deliveries, hitting two fours and a six.
Sugandika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu and Kawya Kavindi took one wicket apiece for Sri Lanka, while Ayesha was dismissed through a run-out.
In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the 178-run target with ease, reaching 181-2 in 17.5 overs.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu led the successful chase with an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls, striking seven boundaries and six sixes.
Hasini Perera provided strong support with 42 off 26 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes. Imesha Dulani and Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed 27 and 17 respectively.
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu and Fatima Sana claimed one wicket each, but the remaining bowlers failed to make further breakthroughs.
Sri Lanka will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Bangladesh in the gold medal match, while Pakistan will play the loser of that match for the bronze medal.
