Dubai : Pakistan captain Fatima Sana delivered a remarkable all-round performance in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semifinal, but her efforts were not enough to take her team into the final. Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by four wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to secure their place in the title clash.
After the match, Fatima Sana could not hold back her emotions and was seen in tears following Pakistan’s heartbreaking defeat.
Fatima Sana Leads Pakistan With Bat and Ball
After losing the toss, Pakistan batted first and posted 130 for 6. The team struggled early as wickets fell regularly, putting the batting side under pressure.
Fatima Sana stepped up in the difficult situation and played a captain’s knock of an unbeaten 47 off 36 balls. Despite suffering from cramps in the heat, she continued batting until the end and helped Pakistan reach a competitive total.
She also added quick runs with Tuba Hassan during the final four overs to take Pakistan to 130.
Harshitha and Kavisha Turn the Match Around
Pakistan made a strong start with the ball, with Fatima Sana striking early. In her opening over, she dismissed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and Sanjana Kavindi off consecutive deliveries.
At one stage, Sri Lanka were struggling at 33 for 4, and Pakistan appeared to have gained control of the match. However, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari changed the course of the contest with a 67-run partnership.
Harshitha scored 36 runs, while Kavisha made 33.
Four Wickets for Fatima, but Sri Lanka Hold Nerve
Fatima Sana returned strongly and dismissed both Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari in her third over. She finished with four wickets in the match after an impressive all-round display.
However, Kaushani Nuthyangana remained unbeaten on 10, while Nilakshika Silva scored an unbeaten 18 to guide Sri Lanka to victory. Nuthyangana hit the first six of her international career off Fatima Sana, while Silva struck the winning boundary to send Sri Lanka into the final.
Fatima Sana was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten 47 and four wickets, but the individual honour could not ease the disappointment of Pakistan’s semifinal defeat.
After the match, the Pakistan captain admitted that fielding mistakes had cost her team. She also said that Pakistan could have defended the total of 130, but needed to improve its batting as well.
Sri Lanka registered their third consecutive Women’s Asia Cup semifinal victory over Pakistan. They will now face India in the final on Sunday, September 13.
