Pakistan had appeared to set a challenging target but the Sri Lankan captain’s knock ensured a spot in the final for the side.

NISSHIN, JAPAN: Pakistan were knocked out of the Asian Games women’s cricket final after Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu produced a brilliant unbeaten 83 to guide her team to an eight-wicket victory in the semi-final on Sunday.

Pakistan posted 177 for four after being asked to bat first at Korogi Sports Park. However, Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 17.5 overs, finishing on 178 for two with 13 balls remaining.

Athapaththu led the successful chase with an outstanding 83 not out from 50 balls, hitting seven fours and six sixes. Harshitha Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 17.

Pakistan’s innings was anchored by Ayesha Zafar, who scored a quickfire 71 from 40 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Shawaal Zulfiqar also made a valuable 54 from 50 deliveries.

Despite posting a competitive total, Pakistan struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting. Athapaththu took control of the chase and repeatedly found the boundary against Pakistan’s bowlers.

Sri Lanka lost opener Imesha Dulani for 27 in the fifth over, but Athapaththu and Hasini Perera quickly shifted the momentum. Hasini scored 42 from 26 balls before being dismissed with Sri Lanka on 131 for two.

There was little Pakistan could do after that. Athapaththu continued attacking and reached 65 from 44 balls before taking 15 runs from Umm-e-Hani’s final over.

She survived a dropped catch when Aliya Riaz failed to hold on to an opportunity at long-off with Athapaththu on 79. The Sri Lankan captain then completed the chase in the 18th over.

Ayesha Zafar Shines for Pakistan

Pakistan suffered an early blow when opener Gull Feroza was bowled by Sugandika Kumari from the second delivery of the innings.

Saira Jabeen and Shawaal Zulfiqar briefly stabilised the innings before Saira was dismissed for 17 from 14 balls.

Ayesha then joined Shawaal and launched a strong counterattack. The pair added 115 runs, helping Pakistan move past 100 in the 12th over.

Ayesha reached her half-century from just 27 balls but was eventually run out for 71 in the 17th over.

Shawaal completed her fifty from 47 balls before being dismissed for 54 in the following over.

Captain Fatima Sana provided some late momentum with an unbeaten 20 from 12 balls, while Eyman Fatima hit a boundary from the final delivery to take Pakistan to 177 for four.

The result marked Pakistan’s second defeat to Sri Lanka in 10 days, following their elimination by the same opponents in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final.

Sri Lanka will now play in the Asian Games final. Pakistan will compete for the bronze medal on Tuesday against the loser of the second semi-final between India and Bangladesh.