Defending Champions Sri Lanka Edge Past Pakistan by 4 Wickets to Set Up Women's Asia Cup 2026 Final Against India

Sri Lanka Women pulled off a dramatic four-wicket victory against Pakistan Women in the second semi-final of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The defending champions overcame a precarious start, reeling at 33 for 4, to chase down Pakistan's target of 131 with eight balls to spare, earning their spot in Sunday's final against unbeaten India. Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma Shine As India Storm Into 10th Women’s Asia Cup Final.

Sri Lanka Reach Women's Asia Cup 2026 Final

Sri Lanka are thoroughly deserving finalists and now have a chance to make it back-to-back titles 🇱🇰👌#DPWorldWomensAsiaCup2026 #SLWvPAKW #ACC pic.twitter.com/GO6LkE9BLC

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 11, 2026

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana delivered a valiant all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 47 runs from 36 balls to help her team post a competitive total of 130 for 5 in their 20 overs. She then returned to scalp four crucial wickets for 38 runs, but her individual brilliance ultimately wasn't enough to prevent Sri Lanka's resurgence.

Pakistan's Innings

Having been sent in to bat after Sri Lanka won the toss, Pakistan struggled to build momentum initially. Openers Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar failed to fire, with Ali departing in the second over. Ayesha Zafar and Sadaf Shamas also fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan at a challenging 52 for 4 inside 10 overs. However, captain Fatima Sana took charge, battling cramps in the Dubai heat to anchor the innings. She forged a vital 40-run partnership with Gul Feroza and then added 38 runs in the final four overs with Tuba Hassan, who scored 12 off 10 balls, propelling Pakistan to 130 for 5.

Pakistan Batting Highlights:

• Fatima Sana: 47* (36 balls)
• Gul Feroza: 21 (32 balls)
• Tuba Hassan: 12 (10 balls)

Sri Lanka's Dramatic Chase

Sri Lanka's chase began disastrously. Fatima Sana made an immediate impact with the ball, taking two wickets in two deliveries in her first over, dismissing Chamari Athapaththu and Sanjana Kavindi. When Umm-e-Hani removed Imesha Dulani, Sri Lanka found themselves reeling at 33 for 4. However, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari mounted a crucial 67-run fifth-wicket partnership, meticulously rebuilding the innings and bringing Sri Lanka back into contention. Samarawickrama scored 36 off 31 balls, while Dilhari contributed 33 off 33 deliveries. Fact Check: Viral Video of Indian Women’s Cricketer Taking a 'Somersault Catch' Is AI-Generated.

Just as Sri Lanka appeared to be cruising, Fatima Sana struck again in the 17th over, dismissing both Samarawickrama and Dilhari. This double blow left Sri Lanka at 109 for 6, needing 22 runs from the final three overs, reigniting Pakistan's hopes. Nevertheless, Nilakshika Silva (18*) and Kaushini Nuthyangana (10*) held their nerve, guiding Sri Lanka over the line with eight balls to spare. Nuthyangana hit the first six of her international career, and Silva sealed the victory with a boundary off Fatima Sana. 

Sri Lanka Batting Highlights:

• Harshitha Samarawickrama: 36 (31 balls)
• Kavisha Dilhari: 33 (33 balls)
• Kaushini Nuthyangana: 10* (4 balls)
• Nilakshika Silva: 18* (10 balls)

Key Bowling Performance (Pakistan):

• Fatima Sana: 4/38 (4 overs)

Road to the Final and Head-to-Head

This victory marks Sri Lanka's third consecutive Asia Cup semi-final win over Pakistan, following similar successes in the 2022 and 2024 editions. Pakistan's journey to the semi-finals was less convincing, including a dismissal for just 55 against India and a narrow escape against Thailand. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, entered the semi-finals unbeaten. Shafali Verma Becomes Youngest and Fastest Batter to Reach 3,000 WT20I Runs, Achieves Feat During IND vs PAK Women's Asia Cup 2026.

Sri Lanka will now face India in the grand finale on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the same venue. India secured their spot by beating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semi-final on September 10, 2026. The final is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM IST.

Sri Lanka's hard-fought triumph sets the stage for a compelling final as they aim to retain their title against a dominant Indian side. The clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for continental supremacy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 08:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).