The second semifinal of the Asia Cup 2024 Women’s tournament features a compelling matchup between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Women have emerged as the dominant force in Group B, maintaining an unblemished record throughout the group stages. Their impressive journey was highlighted by a commanding 144-run victory, demonstrating their batting depth and bowling prowess. Additionally, their ability to chase down targets with authority in two decisive matches showcased their balanced and formidable lineup.

As they prepare to face Pakistan, Sri Lanka will look to carry forward their momentum and continue their unbeaten run to secure a place in the final. On the other hand, Pakistan Women have shown remarkable resilience and determination to reach the semifinals. After an initial setback against their arch-rivals, India Women, where they suffered a comprehensive defeat by seven wickets, Pakistan made a robust recovery.

They bounced back with emphatic victories, securing wins by nine and ten wickets respectively, showcasing their strength in both batting and bowling departments. These dominant performances propelled them into the last four of the competition, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. As they face the undefeated Sri Lankan team, Pakistan will aim to leverage their recent form and strategic acumen to upset the Group B leaders and advance to the final.

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Strategies for Pakistan Women to Contain Chamari Athapaththu

Chamari Athapaththu has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in the Asia Cup 2024, emerging as a pivotal figure in their successful campaign. With 180 runs in just 3 matches, including a stunning unbeaten 119, she has displayed exceptional skill and leadership on the field. Athapaththu’s aggressive batting style is highlighted by her remarkable strike rate of 155.17, which has consistently put pressure on opposition bowlers, making her a formidable force at the crease.

Her ability to score quickly and play match-winning innings has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s journey to the semifinals. Athapaththu has showcased her prowess by scoring 110 runs off just 62 balls against right-arm medium bowlers, and 51 runs off 37 balls against right-arm off-break bowlers. These performances underline her capacity to dominate various bowling attacks, significantly contributing to her team’s success in the tournament.

However, Athapaththu has faced some challenges, particularly against left-arm orthodox bowlers. In this department, she managed only 18 runs off 15 balls, indicating a slight vulnerability. Despite this, her overall impact on the tournament has been substantial, and her ability to adapt and overcome obstacles makes her a key player to watch in the semifinals.

Gull Feroza has been a standout performer for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2024, especially during their recovery phase after an initial setback. In just 3 matches, she has scored 124 runs, with a top score of 62* and an impressive strike rate of 130.52. Feroza’s ability to play impactful and aggressive innings has been a key factor in Pakistan’s resurgence. Her consistency at the top of the order has provided Pakistan with solid starts, setting a strong foundation for their batting efforts and helping them secure crucial victories.

Muneeba Ali has also played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s journey to the semifinals. With 94 runs in 3 matches and a high score of 46, she has maintained a healthy strike rate of 125.33. Ali’s contributions have been essential in building competitive totals and chasing down targets. Her ability to rotate the strike and score at a brisk pace has complemented Feroza’s performances, creating a formidable opening partnership.

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With Gull Feroza’s back to back half centuries, Pakistan clinched a dominant 10 wicket win over UAE in the final Group A match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 in Dambulla. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Tuba Hassan, each took two wickets to limit UAE to 103 runs, despite Theertha Satish’s solid 40.

Pakistan’s openers chased down the target in just 14.1 overs, boosting their net run rate from +0.497 to 1.158. Unless Nepal pulls off a huge upset against India later, Pakistan is likely to move on to the knockout stages.

UAE innings

Slow start in powerplay

UAE captain Esha Oza started strong with a boundary on her first ball, but the openers faced many dot balls, which hurt their progress. They did manage a boundary each over, except in Sadia Iqbal’s two overs, but also had 25 dot balls, which worked in Pakistan’s favor.

Pakistan bowlers shine in middle overs

UAE increased their scoring rate to 6 runs per over during the middle overs, but frequent wickets slowed their progress. Nashra Sandhu took two quick wickets, including UAE’s captain. Skipper Nida Dar and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan also picked up crucial wickets, including a key dismissal of UAE’s opener, who missed a half-century by 10 runs.

More wickets in the final overs

UAE’s attempt to accelerate in the final overs resulted in more wickets falling. Sadia Iqbal removed both set batters in her last two overs, ending with figures of 2-11. New batter Samaira Dharnidharka narrowly escaped a run-out but was out on the next ball, giving Tuba her second wicket. A few singles in the final over pushed UAE’s total to 103, but it was not enough to challenge Pakistan.

Pakistan innings

Early luck in powerplay

Pakistan’s openers enjoyed some luck. Feroza was dropped on the first ball but capitalized with frequent boundaries. Mubeena Ali, her opening partner, also survived a questionable stumping call, with the TV umpire ruling it not out despite clear evidence of her feet being outside the crease.

Feroza’s Fifty seals the win

Feroza’s confidence from her previous innings showed as she scored another fifty, finishing with 62 not out off 55 balls. Mubeena Ali supported with a solid 37 not out from 30 balls. Mubeena hit the winning runs on the first ball of the 15th over, securing the victory for Pakistan.

Player of the Match (Gul Feroza):

“Just enjoying my game. The plan is to get success. I take confidence [from the fifty in the last game]. It was an easy score, so I tried my level best.”