Sri Lanka women reached the Asian Games final with a comfortable win over Pakistan in the semi-final, finishing on 178/2 with 13 balls to spare.
A wet outfield held up the start by almost two hours, but Sri Lanka were in control once play began. Pakistan made 177/4 in their 20 overs, and the chase took just 17.5.
Athapaththu leads the chase
Chamari Athapaththu was unbeaten on 83 from 50 balls. She added 95 for the second wicket with Hasini Perera, which put Sri Lanka firmly in charge.
Imesha Dulani scored 26 from 21 at the top before Fatima Sana removed her, and Harshitha Samarawickrama saw the side home with 17 not out from 12 balls.
Pakistan’s innings
Pakistan lost Gull Feroza to the very first ball of the innings. Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar then rebuilt, Zafar hitting 71 from 40 balls and Zulfiqar adding 54.
Fatima was the most economical bowler, with 1/24 from three overs, and Nashra Sandhu also took a wicket. Even so, Pakistan could not stop Athapaththu and Perera during the key partnership.
What comes next
Sri Lanka will play for gold against the winner of the other semi-final, between India and Bangladesh. Pakistan’s campaign continues in the bronze medal match against the loser of that tie, which is scheduled for Tuesday.
