ISLAMABAD: Pakistan secured the bronze medal in the 2026 Asian Games women’s cricket competition after defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, on Tuesday.
Batting first, Pakistan were restricted to 145-8 in their allotted 20 overs as Bangladesh produced an impressive bowling performance to contain the Green Shirts’ batting line-up.
Captain Fatima Sana led Pakistan’s innings with an unbeaten 45 off 30 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. Opener Gull Feroza made 31 off 23 deliveries, striking six boundaries.
Aliya Riaz added a useful 25 off 22 balls, including one four and two sixes, while fellow opener Shawaal Zulfiqar scored 17 off 27 deliveries without hitting a boundary.
Saira Jabeen was dismissed for five off six balls, with one boundary, while Ayesha Zafar scored nine off seven deliveries, including one four. Eyman Fatima fell for a duck after facing three balls, while Tuba Hassan made four off two deliveries, hitting one boundary.
For Bangladesh, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter and Nahida Akter took two wickets each, while Sanjida Akter Meghla claimed one wicket.
Chasing 146, Bangladesh were limited to 114-7 in 20 overs as Pakistan mounted a strong bowling response after being kept in check with the bat.
Shamim Akhter remained unbeaten on 46 off 45 balls, hitting four boundaries. Captain Nigar Sultana contributed 25 off 30 deliveries, including three fours, while opener Dilara Akter scored 12 off eight balls with two boundaries.
Shorna Akter made six off eight balls, while Juairiya Ferdous and Rabeya Khan scored four runs each. Ritu Moni and Sobhana Mostary added three and two runs respectively, while Nahida Akter remained not out on 10.
Umm-e-Hani was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 3-10 in her four overs. Tasmia Rubab, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Ayesha Zafar picked up one wicket apiece.
