Sri Lanka Women defeated Pakistan Women by eight wickets with 13 balls remaining in the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition first semi-final, chasing down 178 in 17.5 overs. Chamari Athapaththu led the charge with a superb 83 as Sri Lanka Women overhauled Pakistan’s competitive 177/4 to book their passage from the semi-final.
Pakistan Women had posted a formidable total through Ayesha Zafar’s 71 and Shawaal Zulfiqar’s 54, with Fatima Sana contributing 20. The innings gave Pakistan a strong platform, though Sri Lanka’s bowlers ensured that the scoring did not run entirely unchecked.
Kawya Kavindi, Chamari Athapaththu and Sugandika Kumari each took a wicket for Sri Lanka Women. Pakistan nevertheless reached 177/4 from their 20 overs, setting up what appeared to be a demanding chase in a knockout T20.
Athapaththu takes control of the chase
Sri Lanka Women answered with authority. Athapaththu’s 83 was the defining innings of the match, combining with Hasini Perera’s 42 to keep the required rate under control. Imesha Dulani added an unbeaten 27 as Sri Lanka completed the chase at 178/2 in 17.5 overs.
Fatima Sana and Nashra Sandhu claimed one wicket apiece for Pakistan Women, but the bowlers could not find the breakthroughs needed to disrupt Sri Lanka’s momentum. With only two wickets down, Sri Lanka’s batting depth and control in the pursuit proved decisive.
Key performers
- Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka Women: 83 runs
- Hasini Perera, Sri Lanka Women: 42 runs
- Imesha Dulani, Sri Lanka Women: 27 runs
- Ayesha Zafar, Pakistan Women: 71 runs
- Shawaal Zulfiqar, Pakistan Women: 54 runs
- Fatima Sana, Pakistan Women: 20 runs and 1 wicket
- Kawya Kavindi, Sri Lanka Women: 1 wicket
- Sugandika Kumari, Sri Lanka Women: 1 wicket
NerdSports Stat: Sri Lanka Women’s three leading scorers — Chamari Athapaththu, Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani — made 152 of the 178 runs required, accounting for 85.4% of the successful chase.
The result sends Sri Lanka Women through from the first semi-final. The tournament’s T20 series standing remains level at 0-0, while Bangladesh Women face India Women later on Saturday before the two TBA fixtures on Monday, September 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka Women won the match by eight wickets with 13 balls remaining.
Chamari Athapaththu was named Player of the Match for scoring 83 runs in Sri Lanka Women’s successful chase.
The Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition T20 series standing remains level at 0-0.
Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with 83 runs.
Bangladesh Women play India Women on Saturday, September 19.