Nisshin, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Chamari Athapaththu produced a commanding captain’s knock as Sri Lanka Women chased down Pakistan’s 177/4 with eight wickets in hand to storm into the Asian Games final at Korogi Sports Park on Sunday.
Chasing 178 for victory, Sri Lanka reached 178/2 in just 17.5 overs, with Athapaththu remaining unbeaten on 83 off 50 balls. Her innings featured seven fours and six sixes as she took control of the chase and kept Pakistan’s bowlers under constant pressure.
Sri Lanka began positively, with Imesha Dulani scoring 26 off 21 balls before Pakistan captain Fatima Sana provided the breakthrough.
However, Dulani’s dismissal did little to disrupt Sri Lanka’s momentum as Athapaththu took charge and formed a crucial 95-run partnership with Hasini Perera for the second wicket.
Perera contributed 42 before being dismissed with Sri Lanka close to the target. Harshitha Samarawickrama then joined Athapaththu and remained unbeaten on 17 to guide Sri Lanka home with 13 deliveries to spare.
Earlier, Pakistan recovered from a poor start after Gull Feroza was dismissed off the first ball following Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl after a delayed start caused by a wet outfield.
Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar then steadied the Pakistan innings. Zafar smashed 71 off 40 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, while Zulfiqar scored 54 from 50 deliveries.
Their partnership helped Pakistan recover and cross the 100-run mark before the team finished with 177/4 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s emphatic chase, however, overshadowed Pakistan’s strong recovery with the bat.
Sri Lanka will now face the winner of the second semifinal between India and Bangladesh in the gold-medal match on Tuesday. Pakistan will contest the bronze-medal playoff against the loser of that semifinal.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 177/4 in 20 overs (Ayesha Zafar 71, Shawaal Zulfiqar 54; Kawya Kavindi 1-13, Chamari Athapaththu 1-30)
Sri Lanka: 178/2 in 17.5 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 83*, Hasini Perera 42; Fatima Sana 1-24, Nashra Sandhu 1-38)
Result: Sri Lanka won by eight wickets.
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