Sri Lanka Triumphs Over Pakistan To Enter Women's Asia Cup 2024 Final Against India

Pakistan women have exited the Women's Asia Cup after a narrow defeat to Sri Lanka in the semifinal on Friday, July 26.

Sri Lanka secured a thrilling victory against Pakistan by 3 wickets, advancing to the final of the tournament.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a total of 140 for 4 in their 20 overs. Muneeba Ali top-scored with 37 runs, while Gull Feroza added 25. Captain Nida Dar and Fatima Sana both contributed 23 runs each off 17 balls, helping Pakistan reach a competitive score at Dambulla Stadium.

Pakistan Women: 140/4 in 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 37, Gull Feroza 25; Udeshika Prabodhani 2/23)

Sri Lanka Women: 141/7 in 19.5 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 63, Anushka Sanjeewani 24*; Sadia Iqbal 4/16)

Result: Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets

Player of the Match: Chamari Athapaththu

Sri Lanka's chase began with an early setback as Vishmi Gunaratne was dismissed quickly. However, captain Chamari Athapaththu played a crucial innings, scoring an impressive 63 off just 48 balls. Her performance was pivotal in steering Sri Lanka towards victory.

Down the wire - Nail biting BUT Sri Lanka ✅????????????

Sri Lanka Women qualified for the 2024 Women's Asia Cup Final as they beat Pakistan by 3 wickets. Chamari Athapaththu 63.

Congratulations ????????????

PAK 140/4
SL 141/7#LKA #SriLanka #WomensAsiaCup2024 #WomensAsiaCup pic.twitter.com/RSSZ3n4iKF

Sri Lanka Tweet ???????? (@SriLankaTweet) July 26, 2024

Anushka Sanjeewani also played a vital role by scoring an unbeaten 24 runs. Her calm presence at the crease ensured that Sri Lanka crossed the finish line despite some tense moments towards the end.

The match saw Pakistan's left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal taking four wickets. However, her efforts were not enough to restrict Sri Lanka's lower middle order from achieving their target.

Sri Lanka needed just three runs from the last over after scoring thirteen runs in the penultimate one. Despite not scoring off the first three balls of the final over, Sanjeewani held her nerve and guided her team to victory.

The hosts will now face India women in the final of the Asia Cup on Sunday, July 28.