SYLHET: Aliya Riaz blasted her maiden half-century as Pakistan made it to the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup after beating United Arab Emirates by 71 runs at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the first semi-final after they play the same opposition in their final league round match on Tuesday.

India will be up against Thailand or Bangladesh in the second semi-final, following their nine-wicket win over the former to finish top in the standings. Both semis will be played on Thursday.

Pakistan, who had beaten India after being stunned by Thailand in their previous two matches, were pulled out of trouble by Aliya after being put into bat by UAE.

Aliya hit an unbeaten 71 after arriving on the crease when Pakistan were 41-3 in the eighth over with opener Muneeba Ali on the other end. The duo combined for 36 runs for the fourth wicket before Muneeba fell to Esha Oza after scoring 43 off 45 (five fours and a six).

Oza struck again soon, with youngster Ayesha Naseem being her next prey, to allow veteran all-rounder Nida Dar onto the middle.

Nida, who was Pakistan’s hero in their win against India, collaborated with Aliya for a 67-run partnership off just 34 balls. The 35-year-old smashed a 17-ball 25 as Pakistan posted 145-5 in 20 overs.

In reply, UAE managed to score only 74-5 their 20 overs as Pakistan spinners Aiman Anwar, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail and Sadia Iqbal bagged a wicket each.

Scores in brief:

PAKISTAN 145-5 in 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 57 not out, Muneeba Ali 43, Nida Dar 25 not out; Esha Oza 3-22); UAE 74-5 in 20 overs (Khushi Kumar 20 not out).

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2022