The Pakistan women’s cricket team claimed the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on Tuesday. The victory saw Pakistan defend a total of 145-8 by restricting Bangladesh to 114-7 in their 20 overs, securing a podium finish in the women’s cricket competition.
After being sent in to bat, Pakistan posted 145-8 in their allotted 20 overs, with captain Fatima Sana leading the charge with an unbeaten 45 off 30 deliveries, including three boundaries and three sixes. Opener Gull Feroza contributed 31 off 23 balls, hitting six boundaries, while Aliya Riaz added a valuable 25 off 22 deliveries, featuring one boundary and two sixes. Shawaal Zulfiqar scored 17 off 27 balls, and Ayesha Zafar made nine off seven. However, the innings faced setbacks as Saira Jabeen fell for five, Eyman Fatima was dismissed for a duck, and Tuba Hassan managed four off two.
For Bangladesh, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, and Nahida Akter each took two wickets, while Sanjida Akter Meghla claimed one. In response, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum despite a fighting unbeaten 46 off 45 deliveries from Shamim Akhter, which included four boundaries. Captain Nigar Sultana scored 25 off 30 balls with three boundaries, and opener Dilara Akter made 12 off eight deliveries with two boundaries. Shorna Akter scored six, Juairiya Ferdous and Rabeya Khan contributed four each, Ritu Moni added three, Sobhana Mostary made two, and Nahida Akter remained unbeaten on 10.
Umm-e-Hani was the star with the ball for Pakistan, claiming 3/10 in her four overs, while Tasmia Rubab, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu, and Ayesha Zafar each took one wicket. The bowling effort ensured Pakistan’s 31-run victory, sealing the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Pakistan women’s cricket team, as they bounced back from a semifinal loss to Sri Lanka to secure a medal. The team’s all-round performance, highlighted by Fatima Sana’s batting and Umm-e-Hani’s bowling, demonstrates their resilience and skill on the international stage.
Source: Geo News