Pakistan miss Asian Games final after eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the women’s cricket semi-final at the Asian Games in Nisshin, Japan, on Sunday to reach the final.

Chasing 178, Sri Lanka reached the target with 13 balls to spare, with captain Chamari Athapaththu leading the chase with an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls. She hit seven fours and six sixes, while Harshitha Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 17.

Pakistan posted 177 for four after Ayesha Zafar top-scored with 71 off 40 balls. Shawaal Zulfiqar added 54 off 50, while captain Fatima Sana scored an unbeaten 20 off 12 deliveries.

Sri Lanka lost Imesha Dulani for 27 in the fifth over, but Athapaththu quickly took control of the chase. She combined with Hasini Perera, who scored 42 off 26 balls, as Sri Lanka reached 121 for one after 13 overs.

Nashra Sandhu dismissed Perera in the following over, but Athapaththu continued to attack Pakistan’s bowlers. She reached 79 before being dropped at long-off and then completed the chase in the 18th over.

Pakistan’s innings suffered an early setback when Gull Feroza was dismissed off the second delivery. Ayesha and Shawaal then added 115 runs to rebuild the innings.

The defeat was Pakistan’s second against Sri Lanka in 10 days after their Asia Cup semi-final loss.

Pakistan will play the loser of the India-Bangladesh semi-final for the bronze medal on Tuesday.