Women’s T20 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka clinches dramatic victory over Pakistan to reach final against India

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second semi-final of the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024, held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday. 

The hosts successfully chased down a 141-run target in the final over, with Pakistan’s skipper Nida Dar delivering a dramatic end to the match.

Requiring three runs from the last six balls, Sri Lanka faced a tense finale. Dar’s impressive bowling created pressure, but a crucial wide ball turned the tide in favor of the home team.

Sri Lanka's chase began shakily, losing Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama early to find themselves at 19-2 within four overs. 

However, captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a commanding 63 off 48 balls, including 10 boundaries, steering her team towards victory. Lower-order batter Anushka Sanjeewani contributed a vital 24 runs, helping Sri Lanka reach the target with just one ball remaining.

For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Dar and Omaima Sohail took one each. The victory propels Sri Lanka into the final against India, set to be played on July 28 in Dambulla.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 141 runs after opting to bat first. 

Openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali gave their team a solid start, putting together a 61-run partnership. Feroza scored 25 before falling to Udeshika Prabodhani, who also dismissed Muneeba in the same over after she had made 37 runs from 34 balls.

Sidra Amin, batting at number three, managed just 10 runs off 13 deliveries. Skipper Nida Dar's quickfire 23 off 17 balls, along with late contributions from Fatima Sana (23 off 17) and Aliya Riaz (16 off 15), boosted Pakistan’s total.

Sri Lankan bowlers Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari each claimed two wickets, restricting Pakistan to 141 and setting the stage for a memorable chase.