Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team have booked their place in the final of the cricket tournament at the 20th Asian Games, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in the first semi-final yesterday.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a strong 177/4 in their 20 overs. Ayesha Zafar top-scored with 71, while Shawal Zulfiqar contributed 54.
For Sri Lanka, Sugandika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu and Kavya Kavindi picked up one wicket each.
Sri Lanka produced a dominant chase, reaching 181/2 in the 18th over to seal an eight-wicket victory.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu led the charge with a brilliant unbeaten 83 off 50 balls, smashing seven fours and six sixes.
She was well supported by Hasini Perera, who struck an unbeaten 42 off just 26 balls, including three fours and three sixes.
The victory sends Sri Lanka through to the Asian Games final, putting them one step away from the gold medal.
The second semi-final between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to take place today, with the winner set to face Sri Lanka in the final.
