Dubai (Web Desk): Sri Lanka staged a stunning fightback to overcome Pakistan by four wickets in the second semi-final of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, booking their spot in Sunday’s final against India.
Set a target of 131, Sri Lanka completed the chase at the cost of six wickets with eight deliveries still remaining. Their pursuit appeared to be in serious trouble early on as Pakistan reduced them to 33 for four within the opening seven overs.
Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari then turned the game around with a crucial 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their stand carried Sri Lanka beyond the 100-run mark in the 16th over. Samarawickrama led the scoring with 36 from 31 balls, while Dilhari contributed 33 off 33 deliveries.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana struck twice in the 17th over to remove both batters, leaving Sri Lanka at 109 for six and once again bringing Pakistan into contention. However, Nilakshika Silva and Kaushini Nuthyangana produced a remarkable finish, putting together an unbeaten 34-run partnership from only 10 balls to seal the victory.
Silva remained unbeaten on 18 from 10 deliveries, while Nuthyangana finished on 10 not out from just four balls.
Fatima Sana was Pakistan’s most effective bowler, finishing with four wickets for 38 runs. Sadia Iqbal and Umm-e-Hani also chipped in with one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan were asked to bat first and posted 130 for five, with captain Fatima Sana providing a late burst to strengthen the total
Pakistan suffered an early setback when opener Muneeba Ali was dismissed for just two runs. Shawaal Zulfiqar then injected momentum into the innings, scoring 24 from 16 balls and hitting two sixes.
Following her departure, Gull Feroza attempted to rebuild the innings, making 21 off 32 balls while briefly combining with Ayesha Zafar, who scored seven, and Sadaf Shamas, who made eight.
Feroza and Fatima Sana subsequently added 40 runs for the fifth wicket before Feroza was dismissed in the 16th over.
Fatima remained unbeaten on a brisk 47 from 36 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes, while Tuba Hassan supported her with an unbeaten 12 off 10 deliveries.
For Sri Lanka, Chamudi Praboda and Chamari Athapaththu picked up two wickets each, while Sugandika Kumari finished with one wicket.