Sri Lanka Beat Pakistan to Reach Women’s Asian Games 2026 Final- IPL

Three months after calling herself a failure as captain following Sri Lanka’s early exit from another T20 World Cup, Chamari Athapaththu produced a memorable response on Sunday, September 20. Her unbeaten 83 helped Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan and reach the final of the Women’s Asian Games 2026.

Athapaththu took charge of the chase when Sri Lanka needed her most. She remained unbeaten on 83 from 50 balls, with seven fours and six sixes. Her attacking batting made the chase much easier for Sri Lanka.

Pakistan were on a good platform when they had scored 177/4 from 20 overs. In the beginning, Shawaal Zulfiqar had made some brilliant contributions with 54 runs from 50 balls. Ayesha Zafar had played an equally great innings with 71 runs from 40 balls.

Pakistan Build a Strong Total

Pakistan were in trouble at 35/2 in the sixth over before Zulfiqar and Zafar changed the course of the innings. The pair added 115 runs from only 70 balls for the third wicket. Their partnership put Pakistan in control of the game.

Pakistan had ended up scoring really well in their last five overs by making 46 runs. With a total of 177/4, Pakistan managed to put themselves in a strong position against Sri Lanka in the semifinals. After that, Athapaththu took control of the run chase.

Sri Lanka started their reply with attacking intent. Athapaththu and Imesha Dulani found boundaries early and put pressure on the Pakistan bowlers. Their partnership was broken when Fatima Sana dismissed Dulani.

Athapaththu and Perera Take Control

Hasini Perera joined Athapaththu after Dulani’s dismissal. She attacked the Pakistan bowlers from the start and formed an important partnership with her captain. The duo added 95 runs from only 56 balls.

Perera made 42 off 26 balls. Her innings comprised three fours and three sixes. The combination provided Sri Lanka the push they required and put Pakistan under pressure to defend their total.

While Sri Lanka was approaching the target, Athapaththu kept on attacking. She made an incredible half-century through a big six and stayed not out till the very end. The innings of 83* allowed Sri Lanka to chase down the target within 18 overs.

The win guarantees that Sri Lanka qualifies for the final where they would play against the winner of the other semifinal game between India and Bangladesh. The innings of Athapaththu will be remembered as the most significant event of the journey of Sri Lanka to the finals.

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