Sri Lanka Clinches Thriller Against Pakistan by 3 Wickets, Sets Up Women’s Asia Cup Final Clash with India

Sri Lanka’s skipper Chamari Athapaththu played a pivotal role with her fifty, leading the team to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second semifinal of the Women’s Asia Cup in Dambulla on Friday. This win sets up a final clash against India, who had earlier defeated Bangladesh by 10 wickets in the first semifinal. The final is scheduled for Sunday.

Athapaththu, the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 223 runs, steered Sri Lanka close to the target of 141 by scoring a well-paced 63 off 48 balls, which included nine fours and one six.

Her impressive fifty, along with Anushka Sanjeevani’s unbeaten 24 off 22 balls (1×4, 1×6), helped Sri Lanka achieve 141 for 7 in 19.5 overs.

Kalisha Dilhari contributed with 17 runs off 18 balls, forming a crucial 61-run partnership with Athapaththu for the third wicket, solidifying Sri Lanka’s position in the match.

Despite a commendable spell by Pakistan’s experienced left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, who took 4 wickets for 16 runs in her 4 overs, Pakistan could not muster enough support from other bowlers, allowing Sri Lanka to cross the finish line.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a total of 140 for four, courtesy of contributions from Muneeba Ali (37), Gull Feroza (25), skipper Nida Dar (23), and Fatima Sana (23 not out). However, none of them were able to convert their starts into a substantial score, resulting in a slightly below-par total.