Chamari Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka to Final, Disappointing Pakistan

Sri Lanka advanced to the final of the Women's Asia Cup with a thrilling 3-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second semi-final. The final will see the hosts face the formidable Indian team.

At the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. Batting first, Pakistan scored 140 runs for 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Sri Lanka chased down the target with one ball to spare, finishing at 141 for 7.

Pakistan's openers Gul Feroza and Muneeba Ali got off to a good start, putting up a 61-run partnership. The partnership was broken when Gul Feroza was caught by Nilakshi de Silva off Prabodhani's bowling after scoring 25 runs off 24 balls. Just three runs later, Muneeba Ali was dismissed for 37 runs off 34 balls.

Ameen returned to the pavilion after scoring 10 runs, caught off Kavisha Dilhari's bowling. Pakistan captain Nida Dar scored 23 runs off 17 balls, hitting 2 fours and 1 six. In the latter part of the innings, Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana formed a 41-run partnership off 31 balls, helping Pakistan reach 140 runs. Aliya and Fatima remained unbeaten at 16 and 23 runs, respectively.

For Sri Lanka, Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari each took 2 wickets.

Chasing 141 runs, Sri Lanka lost Vishmi Gunaratne for a duck. However, the other opener and captain, Chamari Athapaththu, batted fluently. At the end of the power play, Sri Lanka's score stood at 35 for 2.

Kavisha Dilhari was dismissed for 17 runs off Sadia Iqbal's bowling, followed by Nilakshi de Silva, who also fell to Sadia Iqbal, leaving Sri Lanka at 78 for 4. Chamari Athapaththu continued her excellent batting, bringing Sri Lanka closer to victory.

Athapaththu scored 63 runs off 48 balls, including 9 fours and 1 six, before being dismissed by Sadia Iqbal. When Hasini Perera was run out for 3 runs, the match swung back in Pakistan's favor. However, responsible batting from Sugandika Kumari in the final overs saw Sri Lanka cross the finish line with one ball to spare.

Sadia Iqbal took 4 wickets for Pakistan, while Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail each took one wicket. Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu was named Player of the Match for her match-winning innings of 63 runs.