Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by four wickets in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai on Friday night, securing their place in the tournament final.
Pakistan, after being put in to bat, posted 130 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, they managed to set Sri Lanka a competitive target.
Sri Lanka will face India in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final on Sunday.
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana produced a crucial late-innings assault to help the Green Shirts post 130 for five against defending champions Sri Lanka in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Sent in to bat first, Pakistan endured an early setback when experienced opener Muneeba Ali was dismissed for just two runs in the second over, leaving the team struggling at 5/1.
Shawaal Zulfiqar responded with an aggressive cameo, scoring 24 off 16 balls with four boundaries, including two sixes. Her innings, however, was brought to an end by Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, with Pakistan reduced to 29/2 after 4.4 overs.
Gull Feroza then took charge of the innings, building partnerships with Ayesha Zafar and Sadaf Shamas. Neither batter was able to stay at the crease for long, with Ayesha contributing seven runs and Sadaf scoring eight.
Fatima Sana joined Feroza and helped stabilise the innings with a valuable 40-run partnership for the fifth wicket. The stand ended on the final ball of the 16th over when Feroza was dismissed after scoring a measured 21 from 32 deliveries.
Fatima then shifted gears in the closing overs, providing Pakistan with the momentum they needed to reach a competitive 130/5 from their allotted 20 overs.