DUBAI: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s all-round effort went in vain on Friday as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in a Women’s Asia Cup semi-final for the third consecutive edition, chasing down their 131-run target with seven balls to spare to set up a final against India on Sunday.
Fatima top-scored with an unbeaten 47 off 36 balls and then claimed four wickets, but her efforts could not prevent Sri Lanka from reaching 134-6, with Harshita Samarawickrama leading the chase with 36 off 31 balls.
Sri Lanka opted to bowl after winning the toss, meaning Pakistan batted first for the fourth consecutive match in the tournament.
Pakistan made a slow start, with Muneeba Ali falling to Sugandika Kumari for a simple catch at mid-off in the second over. Shawaal Zulfiqaar then provided impetus, hitting Mithali Ayodhya for two fours and a six before falling to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for 23.
Ayesha Zafar was dismissed for seven by Athapaththu, edging to the wicketkeeper while attempting a cut, before Sadaf Shamas was stumped off Chamudi Praboda for eight.
Fatima joined Gul Feroza and helped Pakistan rebuild with a 40-run stand before Feroza was caught by Athapaththu at long-off for 25. Fatima and Tuba Hassan then added 38 in the final four overs to take Pakistan to 130-6, with Fatima battling cramps to remain unbeaten on 47 and Tuba contributing 12.
Fatima made an immediate impact with the ball, taking two wickets in her first over to reduce Sri Lanka to 5-2. Athapaththu was caught at deep backward square before Sanjana Kavindi edged a leading delivery to midwicket.
Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani steadied the innings before Sadia Iqbal dismissed Perera for 14, with Ayesha Zafar taking a well-judged catch. Umm-e-Hani then removed Dulani to leave Sri Lanka 33-4.
Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari put Sri Lanka back in control with a 67-run partnership, taking on Pakistan’s spinners to take the score to 100-4.
Fatima returned to strike twice in her third over, dismissing Samarawickrama and Dilhari, but Sri Lanka needed only 31 from the remaining overs.
Kaushini Nuthyangana and Nilakshika Silva completed the chase, with Nuthyangana hitting the first six of her international career before Silva sealed victory with a four.
Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2026
