Sri Lanka Seal Asia Cup Final: defending champs stun Pakistan after 33/4; India rematch awaits

SL Fight Back to Reach India Final 🏏

What a comeback under pressure! Defending champions Sri Lanka chased down 131 to beat Pakistan by 4 wkts and seal a repeat final vs India in the Women's Asia Cup.

Pakistan batted first and posted a modest 130/5. A shaky start (52/4) was rescued by captain Fatima Sana's unbeaten 47 (36 ball), with Shawaal Zulfiqar (24) and Gull Feroza (21) giving early spark. But SL's bowlers struck—Chamari Athapaththu and Chamudi Praboda 2 each, Sugandika Kumari 1.

The chase looked doomed at 33/4 after 7 overs, with Athapaththu and Sanjana Kavindi falling in the 2nd over alone. Then Harshitha Samarawickrama (36) and Kavisha Dilhari (33) produced a brilliant 67-run 5th-wkt stand, rotating strike and absorbing all the pressure.

Fatima hit back in the 17th, removing both in successive balls to leave SL at 109/6 needing 22 off 3 overs—but Nilakshika Silva (18*) and Kaushani Nuthyangana (10*) held their nerve to finish 8 balls to spare. SL 131/6.

Fatima was Player of the Match with 4/38 and an unbeaten 47, but credit goes to the SL middle order. "That partnership was match winning," said Athapaththu.

Now SL face India in the final on Sunday—chasing a record 8th crown, while SL look to defend their 2024 title (they beat India by 8 wkts last time). 💪

Source: Times of India