Sri Lanka Bowlers Shine but Pakistan Reach 130 on Back of Sana’s Knock

The Women's Asia Cup 2026 continued at Dubai International Cricket Stadium with Pakistan Women taking on Sri Lanka Women in the tournament’s second semi‑final. Pakistan, opting to bat after losing the toss, compiled 130 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 20‑over innings.

A shaky start saw Muniba Ali fall for just two runs. Shaval Zulfikar then contributed a quick‑fire 24 off 16 balls, punctuated by two fours and two sixes, while Gul Firouza added a steady 21.

Ayesha Jafar and Sadaf Shamas could not build substantial partnerships, scoring seven and eight runs respectively. The innings revived when captain Fatima Sana arrived. She smashed 47 runs without losing her wicket, facing 36 balls and striking four boundaries and two sixes.

Sana’s partnership with Tuba Hasan (12* not out) yielded 38 runs from 24 deliveries for the sixth wicket, pushing Pakistan to a competitive 130‑run total.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers performed admirably. Chamudi Prabodha returned figures of 2 for 25 in four overs, captain Chamari Athapaththu claimed 2 for 24, and Sugandhika Kumari took a wicket for 20 runs. Despite their disciplined spell, they could not restrict Pakistan’s final push.

Pakistan’s XI featured Muniba Ali (wk), Shaval Zulfikar, Gul Firouza, Ayesha Jafar, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana (c), Emaan Fatima, Tuba Hasan, Umm‑e‑Hani, Nashra Sandhu and Sadiya Iqbal. Sri Lanka announced Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Sanjana Kavindi, Harshitha Samaravikrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Neelakshi Silva, Koushani Nuthyangna (wk), Sugandhika Kumari, Chamudi Prabodha and Mithali Ayodhya as their playing eleven.