Nisshin, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan overcame a late challenge from Thailand to secure a place in the women’s cricket semifinals at the Asian Games 2026, winning their rain-shortened quarterfinal by three wickets at Korogi Sports Park on Thursday.
With the match reduced to 11 overs per side, Thailand posted 91/4 after being asked to bat first. Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scored with a 38-ball 49, while Pakistan captain Fatima Sana spearheaded her team’s bowling effort with two wickets.
Pakistan made a positive start to the chase as Gull Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar put together 36 runs for the opening wicket. Thailand, however, mounted a comeback after the partnership was broken, with a series of wickets leaving Pakistan under pressure.
Fatima then steadied the innings with a valuable 21 off 13 balls. She was dismissed off the first delivery of the ninth over, with Pakistan still requiring 19 runs from 17 balls.
Thailand sensed an opportunity after Fatima’s dismissal, but Tuba Hassan swung the momentum back in Pakistan’s favour by hitting a four and a six. She fell off the final ball of the 10th over after scoring 13 from seven deliveries.
Pakistan needed four runs from the final over with three wickets in hand. Umm-e-Hani kept her composure and struck the winning runs off the fourth ball to complete the chase.
The victory booked Pakistan’s place in the semifinals, where they will take on the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
Earlier on Thursday, Bangladesh also advanced to the last four after their quarterfinal against China was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield. Bangladesh progressed on the basis of their higher ranking, in accordance with the tournament regulations.
The women’s cricket competition at the Asian Games is being played in the T20 format with full international status. The tournament runs from September 17 to 22, while the men’s competition is scheduled from September 24 to October 1.
Cricket is making its fourth appearance at the Asian Games, having previously featured at Guangzhou 2010, Incheon 2014 and Hangzhou 2023. India won both the men’s and women’s gold medals at the 2023 edition.
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