Dubai, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana produced a determined unbeaten 47 off 36 balls to help her team recover from early setbacks and post 130/5 against Sri Lanka in the second semifinal of the Women’s Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan were in serious trouble at 52/4 in the 10th over before Fatima steadied the innings and accelerated through the middle and death overs. She displayed composure despite the demanding heat and humidity, and had the team physio attend to her on several occasions towards the end of her innings.
Despite the discomfort, Fatima maintained the scoring rate and ensured Pakistan finished strongly. Her unbeaten knock provided the foundation for a competitive total after Sri Lanka’s bowlers had put the Pakistan batting under sustained pressure.
Gull Feroza offered valuable support with a patient 21 off 32 deliveries, while Tuba Hassan remained unbeaten on 12 from 10 balls to provide late impetus.
Earlier, Shawaal Zulfiqar gave Pakistan a positive start with a brisk 24 off 16 balls, looking to attack the bowlers with straight strokes.
Sri Lanka fought back towards the end of the Powerplay, with captain Chamari Athapaththu claiming two important wickets for 24 runs. Left-arm spinners Chamodi Praboda and Sugandika Kumari also kept the Pakistan batters under pressure, returning figures of 2/25 and 1/20, respectively.
Sri Lanka’s disciplined spin attack made scoring difficult, although some lapses in the field allowed Pakistan to recover and add valuable runs in the closing stages.
Brief scores: Pakistan Women 130/5 in 20 overs (Fatima Sana 47 not out, Shawaal Zulfiqar 24; Chamari Athapaththu 2/24, Chamodi Praboda 2/25) against Sri Lanka.
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