By Sports Desk
TWA
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In a nail-biting semifinal of the Women’s Asia Cup T20 held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka emerged victorious over Pakistan by three wickets, securing their place in the final against India on Sunday.
Pakistan, batting first, set a competitive target of 140 runs for four wickets. Their innings was marked by three significant partnerships that provided stability and momentum. Despite two early setbacks, Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu played a pivotal role in the chase, leading her team to a thrilling win with just one ball to spare.
Athapaththu’s remarkable innings of 63 runs off 48 balls, featuring nine boundaries and a six, was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s chase. Her partnership of 59 runs with Kavisha Dilhari was crucial in reviving Sri Lanka’s hopes. A further 42-run stand with Anushka Sanjeewani, who remained unbeaten with 24 runs off 22 balls, solidified their position. Sanjeewani’s calm presence at the crease ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line.
On the bowling front, Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal delivered a standout performance, taking four wickets for 16 runs, her career-best figures. Omaima Sohail and Nida Dar contributed with a wicket each, but their efforts fell short of clinching the match.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan’s openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali provided a solid start, sharing a 61-run partnership. Gull scored 25 runs off 24 balls, while Muneeba played an aggressive knock of 37 runs off 34 balls. The middle-order contributions from Sidra Amin and Nida Dar, who added 30 runs for the third wicket, further strengthened Pakistan’s innings. Nida’s 23 runs off 17 balls included two boundaries and a six, showcasing her power-hitting abilities. An unbroken partnership of 41 runs between Aliya Riaz (16 not out) and Fatima Sana (23 not out) added the finishing touches to Pakistan’s total.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari, each taking two wickets and conceding 23 and 30 runs, respectively, playing a vital role in restricting Pakistan’s scoring.
This victory propels Sri Lanka into the Women’s Asia Cup T20 final, where they will face India in what promises to be an exciting culmination of the tournament.
