Sri Lanka Defeat Pakistan to Setup India Finale in ACC Women’s Asia Cup
Sri Lanka won the toss and batted first, posting 130/5. Fatima Sana’s 47* and four wickets kept Pakistan in the contest, but Harshitha Samarawickrama’s 36 helped Sri Lanka chase down the target with eight balls to spare and four wickets in hand, sealing their place in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup finals and setting up the summit clash against India. Here are the key takeaways from the match:
Pakistan’s Batters Make Useful Contributions
Pakistan’s batting saw useful contributions from several players as they recovered from regular setbacks to finish on 130/5. Shawaal Zulfiqar provided the early aggression, scoring 24 off 16 balls with two fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 150. After her dismissal and a couple of early wickets, Gull Feroza helped steady the innings, scoring 21 off 32 balls and giving Pakistan some stability in the middle overs.
Fatima Sana then played a key innings, remaining unbeaten on 47 off 36 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Coming in when Pakistan were reeling at 52/4, she initially took her time before shifting gears in the latter overs. Despite appearing to struggle physically and having difficulty with her breathing, Fatima continued to attack and kept the scoreboard ticking. Tuba Hassan’s 12 off 10 balls also provided some late momentum, helping Pakistan push and set a target of 131 for Sri Lanka.
Decent Show from Sri Lanka’s Bowlers
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack kept Pakistan under pressure for much of the innings, especially during the early burst. Chamari Athapaththu was particularly effective, finishing with 2/24 and removing the dangerous Zulfiqar and Ayesha Zafar. Chamudi Praboda also played a key role, taking 2/25, including the important wickets of Sadaf Shamas and Feroza. The spinners were able to slow Pakistan down through the middle overs and regularly broke partnerships.
However, Mithali Ayodha was slightly expensive, conceding runs at an economy rate of 8.25, allowing Pakistan to pick up some important boundaries. Despite that, Sri Lanka managed to restrict Pakistan to 130/5, with their wicket-taking bowling ensuring Pakistan could not build a bigger total.
Harshitha, Dilhari Lead Sri Lanka’s Fightback After Early Setbacks
Sri Lanka produced a strong recovery to chase down the target after being reduced to 5 for 2 early in the innings. The partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari was crucial, with the two stabilising the innings and putting Sri Lanka back in control. Harshitha scored 36 off 31 balls, while Dilhari made 33 off 33, before both fell with the job nearly done.
With the pressure easing, Nilakshika Silva finished unbeaten on 13 off 8 balls, while Kaushini Nuthyangana smashed 14 off just 6 balls to take Sri Lanka over the line. Their late hitting ensured Sri Lanka completed the chase despite Pakistan’s comeback through Fatima Sana, who picked up four wickets.
Fatima Sana’s Four Wickets in Vain as Sri Lanka Seal Final Spot
Pakistan looked in control early when Fatima Sana produced a brilliant spell, removing Athapaththu and Sanjana off successive deliveries in the second over. She was the standout bowler for Pakistan and kept them in the game even as Sri Lanka rebuilt. Sana later returned to dismiss Samarawickrama and finishing with excellent figures of 4 for 36. Her four wickets were crucial in creating another opening for Pakistan after Sri Lanka had recovered from 5 for 2. However, Sri Lanka’s middle order showed composure, with Harshitha and Dilhari adding a vital 67-run partnership before Sana broke through again. Sana’s final over went against her, with a no-ball that was hit for six, followed by the winning four. Despite that costly finish, Sana was undoubtedly Pakistan’s lone warrior with the ball, keeping her side alive almost throughout the chase.
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