Dubai, Sept 12:
India will face defending champions Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup final on Sunday after Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling second semi-final in Dubai.
Pakistan, asked to bat first, posted 130 for five in 20 overs. Captain Fatima Sana led the innings from the front, scoring an unbeaten 47 to give her team a competitive total.
Fatima later produced another impressive all-round performance with the ball, taking four wickets and keeping Pakistan in the contest during Sri Lanka’s chase.
Sri Lanka, however, refused to be overwhelmed by the early setbacks. Their chase suffered a dramatic collapse at the start as they slipped to 33 for four, giving Pakistan a strong chance of completing a major upset.
The Sri Lankan middle order then steadied the innings and kept the required run rate under control. Nilakshika Silva and Kaushini Nuthyangana held their nerve in the closing stages and guided their team home.
Sri Lanka reached 134 for six in 18.4 overs, winning with eight balls to spare and booking their place in the final.
Pakistan’s hopes rested heavily on Fatima’s all-round contribution, but her four-wicket haul could not prevent Sri Lanka from recovering from their difficult start.
Sri Lanka’s victory sets up another major contest against India, who had stormed into the final by defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semi-final.
The final on Sunday will therefore bring together India, who have been impressive in the tournament, and defending champions Sri Lanka, who showed considerable composure under pressure to overcome Pakistan.
With the title at stake, the final promises to be a high-pressure battle between two of the strongest sides in the women’s game.