Chamari Athapaththu’s calm half-century helped Sri Lanka clinch a thrilling win over Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup semifinal. Sri Lanka chased 141, winning with just one ball left, and now face India in the final.

Sri Lanka’s steady play in the middle overs was crucial. While Pakistan faltered after a strong start, Sri Lanka recovered from early jitters, scoring just enough to cross the finish line despite losing wickets late in the game.

Pakistan innings

Powerplay: Openers set the stage

Pakistan’s openers started slow but picked up pace. Gull Feroza hit three boundaries in the third over, and Muneeba Ali followed with consecutive fours off Athapaththu. They reached 45 runs in the powerplay.

Middle overs: Sri Lanka strikes back

Sri Lanka fought back around the halfway mark. Udeshika Prabodhani broke the opening stand, dismissing both set openers in one over. Kavisha Dilhari then took two more wickets in another over.

Final overs: A late surge

Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz rallied in the last overs. Despite a cautious 16th over, they realized the need for quick runs. Fatima hit three boundaries, and Aliya cleared the ropes once, helping Pakistan post a competitive 140.

Sri Lanka chase

Powerplay: Early setback

Sri Lanka’s start was shaky. Vishmi Gunaratne got out for a duck in the first over, and Harshitha Madavi, despite hitting two fours, was dismissed for 12. Athapaththu had to anchor the innings.

Middle overs: Chamari takes control

Athapaththu found her rhythm and hit boundaries regularly, pushing the score to 69 at the halfway mark. Though Sadia Iqbal took two quick wickets, Athapaththu’s presence kept Sri Lanka in the hunt. She reached her fifty and brought the target down to 35 off 30 balls.

Final overs: A nail-biting finish

Athapaththu’s slog sweep over midwicket brought the target down to 28 from 26 balls. She hit another boundary, but Pakistan fought back with her wicket and a run-out in the next over. Under pressure, Sugandika Kumari hit two crucial boundaries in the penultimate over, leaving 3 runs needed off 6 balls. Despite Nida Dar’s efforts, Sri Lanka sealed the win in the last over.

Player of the Match (Chamari Athapaththu)

“The game was very tight. Unfortunately I got out early, I had to finish the game. The girls finished the game in style. Hope my girls will continue this performance in the final as well. Good track for batting, positive intent is important. We lost a couple of wickets early, but stuck to our plan. I took my time because we lost wickets early. I am a senior batter, so I changed my batting style. I tried to finish the game but got out. Finals – very important game, but we don’t want to take pressure. It is just one game, we want to enjoy the moment.” She then goes on to thank the crowd.