Pakistan survived a late scare from Thailand to book their place in the women’s cricket semifinals at the Asian Games 2026, with captain Fatima Sana making a crucial all-round contribution in their three-wicket win at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Thursday.
Fatima then walked in and played an important innings when her team needed stability. The victory sent Pakistan into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Bangladesh advanced on the basis of their higher ranking under the tournament regulations. The women’s cricket competition is being played in the T20 format with full international status.
Because of a wet outfield, earlier in the day, Bangladesh also progressed to the last four after their quarterfinal against China was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The rain-affected quarterfinal was reduced to 11 overs per side, with Thailand posting 91/4 after being asked to bat first. Nannapat Koncharoenkai anchored the innings with a 38-ball 49, while Fatima led Pakistan’s bowling attack with two wickets. The Pakistan captain scored 21 off 13 balls before being dismissed in the first ball of the ninth over, leaving her side needing 19 runs from 17 deliveries. The tournament runs from September 17 to 22, with the men’s competition scheduled from September 24 to October 1.
