Athapaththu’s Unbeaten 83 Powers Sri Lanka Into Asian Games Final

Chamari Athapaththu delivered a captain's innings when Sri Lanka needed it most, smashing an unbeaten 83 to lead her side past Pakistan and into the final of the women's cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Gams.e

Pakistan had put together a competitive 177/4 after being asked to bat first at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. However, Athapaththu's aggressive response completely changed the complexion of the semifinal as Sri Lanka reached 178/2 in 17.5 overs to win by eight wickets.

Pakistan Make a Strong Start

Pakistan's innings got off to a difficult start when Gull Feroza was dismissed from the opening delivery. Saira Jabeen also departed during the Powerplay, leaving Pakistan at 35/2 in the sixth over.

Shawaal Zulfiqar and Ayesha Zafar then completely transformed the innings. The pair combined for 115 runs from 70 deliveries for the third wicket, giving Pakistan the platform they needed to post a challenging total.

Ayesha Zafar Leads the Recovery

Ayesha Zafar was particularly aggressive during the middle overs. She struck nine fours and two sixes on her way to 71 from just 40 balls, while Zulfiqar contributed 54 from 50 deliveries.

The partnership was eventually broken when Ayesha was run out, but Pakistan continued scoring at a good rate during the closing stages. Fatima Sana added a quick 20 from 12 balls to help Pakistan reach 177/4.

Sri Lanka Begin the Chase Positively

Sri Lanka needed 178 to reach the Asian Games final and made an attacking start. Athapaththu opened alongside Imesha Dulani, with the pair looking to put pressure on Pakistan's bowlers immediately.

Dulani contributed 27 from 21 balls before Fatima Sana ended her stay at the crease. Her early runs nevertheless gave Sri Lanka the momentum required for the chase.

Athapaththu Takes Control

After Dulani's dismissal, Athapaththu shifted through the gears. The Sri Lankan captain attacked Momina Riasat during the eighth over, collecting 20 runs and changing the pressure of the chase.

She continued to find boundaries regularly and reached her half-century from 37 deliveries. From there, Athapaththu accelerated further and remained unbeaten until the target was reached.

Hasini Perera Provides Perfect Support

Hasini Perera joined Athapaththu in the middle and immediately adopted an aggressive approach. The pair added 95 runs from only 56 balls, effectively taking the game away from Pakistan.

Perera scored 42 from 26 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes. Her attacking contribution meant Sri Lanka did not have to rely solely on Athapaththu during the crucial middle overs.

Athapaththu Finishes the Job

With the required rate comfortably under control, Athapaththu continued attacking until the finish. She ended the innings unbeaten on 83 from 50 balls, with seven fours and six sixes.

Harshitha Samarawickrama joined her at the end and remained unbeaten on 17 as Sri Lanka completed the chase with 13 balls remaining.

Sri Lanka Reach the Gold-Medal Match

The eight-wicket victory secured Sri Lanka's place in the women's Asian Games final. It was another strong knockout performance from the side, with their captain leading from the front in a high-pressure chase.

The result also means Sri Lanka will now play for the gold medal, while Pakistan move into the bronze-medal match.

Another Big Knockout Performance From Athapaththu

Athapaththu's contribution was particularly significant given the stage of the tournament. Rather than allowing the pressure of a 178-run chase to build, she attacked Pakistan's bowling and kept Sri Lanka ahead of the required rate throughout the second half of the innings.

Her six sixes were a major feature of the innings, while the 95-run partnership with Perera ensured Sri Lanka remained in control after Dulani's dismissal.

Pakistan's Strong Total Not Enough

Pakistan's 177/4 was their highest-ever total against Sri Lanka, making Sri Lanka's successful chase even more notable. The 115-run stand between Zulfiqar and Zafar had given Pakistan considerable hope after their early setbacks.

However, the target was successfully chased down in only 17.5 overs, with Sri Lanka's batters maintaining a scoring rate that Pakistan could not contain.

Sri Lanka Set Up Gold-Medal Clash With India

India later defeated Bangladesh in the second semifinal to set up a Sri Lanka-India gold-medal clash. India won that semifinal by 114 runs after posting 195/4 and bowling Bangladesh out for 81.

The Asian Games women's cricket gold-medal match between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled for September 22. Pakistan and Bangladesh will contest the bronze medal on the same day.

Match Summary

Pakistan Women scored 177/4 in 20 overs, led by Ayesha Zafar's 71 from 40 balls and Shawaal Zulfiqar's 54 from 50. The pair shared a 115-run third-wicket partnership.

Sri Lanka Women replied with 178/2 in 17.5 overs. Chamari Athapaththu finished unbeaten on 83 from 50 balls, while Hasini Perera scored 42 from 26. Sri Lanka therefore won by eight wickets and advanced to the Asian Games women's cricket final.