Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in second Women's Asia Cup 2024 semifinal

Sri Lanka women’s cricket team secured a thrilling three-wicket victory against Pakistan in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, held at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a target of 141 runs, the hosts reached their goal in the final over, bowled by Pakistan’s skipper Nida Dar. Despite needing only three runs off the last six balls, Dar’s impressive bowling nearly turned the tide in Pakistan's favor. However, a wide delivery from the Pakistani captain clinched the win for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's chase began on a shaky note, with early dismissals of Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama, leaving the team at 19-2 after just four overs. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu then stepped up, playing a captain's knock of 63 runs off 48 balls, featuring 10 boundaries. Anushka Sanjeewani added a crucial 24 runs down the order, helping Sri Lanka achieve the target with just one ball to spare.

For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal shone with the ball, taking four wickets, while Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail each claimed one.

Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first and had a solid start with openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali forming a 61-run partnership. Feroza scored 25 runs before being dismissed by Udeshika Prabodhani, and Muneeba followed soon after with 37 runs off 34 balls. Sidra Amin, coming in at number three, was dismissed for 10 runs.

Skipper Nida Dar contributed a quick 23 runs off 17 balls, supported by late contributions from Fatima Sana (23 off 17) and Aliya Riaz (16 off 15), helping Pakistan set a target of 141 runs. For Sri Lanka, Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari each took two wickets.

The stage is now set for an exciting final as Sri Lanka prepares to take on India in the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024.