Pakistan: Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar hit half-centuries as Pakistan Women posted 177-4 against Sri Lanka Women in the first semi-final of the 2026 Asian Games in Nisshin, Japan, on Sunday.
Sri Lanka, who won the toss and opted to field, were set a target of 178 to reach the gold-medal match.
Ayesha Hits 71 Off 40 Balls
Pakistan lost opener Gull Feroza for a first-ball duck, but Ayesha and Saira Jabeen rebuilt the innings with a 60-run partnership.
Saira scored 17 off 14 balls before she was dismissed by Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Shawaal then joined Ayesha and the pair added 95 runs for the third wicket. Shawaal scored 54 off 50 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
Ayesha provided the late acceleration, smashing 71 off 40 deliveries with nine fours and two sixes before being run out in the final over.
Pakistan Set 178-Run Target
Captain Fatima Sana remained unbeaten on 20 from 12 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while Eyman Fatima finished unbeaten on five from three deliveries.
Pakistan scored 177-4 in their allotted 20 overs at a run rate of 8.85, with 10 extras conceded by Sri Lanka.
Sugandika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu and Kawya Kavindi took one wicket each for Sri Lanka.
The winner of the semi-final will advance to Tuesday’s gold-medal match, while the losing team will play for the bronze medal.