PAK-W vs SL-W: In a resounding victory, the Sri Lanka Women’s cricket team secured their place in the final of the Asian Games 2023 by comfortably defeating Pakistan Women. The match was marked by Sri Lanka’s outstanding bowling performance and a strong chase that saw them emerge victorious. Pakistan Women, after winning the toss, were set to bat first but struggled throughout their innings to post a competitive total. With only three players managing to reach double figures, Pakistan’s batting faltered, leaving them well short of runs.
Chamari athapaththu’s Explosive Start Sets the Tone
Sri Lanka’s chase began with a bang, thanks to an explosive start by their skipper, Chamari Athapaththu. Her blistering innings provided the ideal foundation for Sri Lanka, and although wickets fell at regular intervals, they remained in control of the chase. Pakistan Women’s bowlers managed to take crucial wickets but needed more runs on the board to pose a real challenge.
Nilakshi de Silva’s Match-Winning Contribution
Sri Lanka Women’s batting display had its moments of promise and challenges. Despite early wickets, the middle order, led by Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva, showcased resilience and determination, guiding Sri Lanka to a hard-fought victory. Their ability to recover from early setbacks and build partnerships played a crucial role in securing the win for their team.
In the end, it was Nilakshi de Silva who played the match-winning role for Sri Lanka Women. Her calm and composed innings ensured that Sri Lanka comfortably reached the target. Her unbeaten knock, along with contributions from other batters, secured a convincing six-wicket victory.
Historic Clash with India Women Await
With this victory, Sri Lanka Women have earned the right to face India Women in the final of the Asian Games 2023. This upcoming clash promises to be an epic encounter, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating this historic showdown. Both teams have shown remarkable form throughout the tournament, and the final is expected to be a thrilling contest. Cricket fans are in for a treat as these two giants of women’s cricket vie for the prestigious gold medal at the Asian Games. The final is scheduled for the 25th of this month, and the cricketing world will be watching closely as the stage is set for a memorable battle.
PAK-W vs SL-W Highlights Asia Games Semifinal-2
Pakistan Women’s Batting: A Struggle for Momentum
The Pakistani Women’s cricket team faced a challenging task in their innings against Sri Lanka Women, as they struggled to build momentum and lost wickets at crucial intervals. The early dismissal of opener Sidra Ameen set the tone for the innings, as she was caught by Chamari Athapaththu off Inoshi Priyadharshani’s bowling in just the 3rd over. Her departure put immediate pressure on the team.
Omaima Sohail’s Flicker of Hope
Omaima Sohail briefly ignited hope with her innings, scoring 10 runs, which included a well-timed six. However, her wicket fell in the 8.1st over when she attempted a slog-sweep but ended up with an outside edge to the first slip. This signaled the beginning of a middle-order collapse, leaving Pakistan Women struggling at 30/3.
Muneeba Ali’s Brief Resistance
Muneeba Ali showed resilience by scoring 13 runs, which included a crucial six. Her effort provided some stability to the innings, but her dismissal in the 14.5th over proved to be a turning point. She was caught brilliantly by Inoshi Priyadharshani at short cover off Kavisha Dilhari’s slower delivery.
Nida Dar’s Promising Start Cut Short
Nida Dar, the captain of the team, provided hope with a promising start, scoring 9 runs, including a boundary. However, her wicket in the 10.6th over, when she was caught by Nilakshi de Silva at mid-off off Udeshika Prabodhani’s bowling, halted Pakistan Women’s progress at a critical juncture.
Aliya Riaz’s Controversial Run-Out
Aliya Riaz’s run-out added controversy to the innings. She lofted the ball to mid-off, where a fielder hit the stumps at the bowler’s end. A collision with Chamari Athapaththu raised questions, but Aliya Riaz was declared out. This dismissal further dented Pakistan Women’s chances, leaving them at 47/5.
Natalia Pervaiz’s Struggle
Natalia Pervaiz faced difficulties in finding gaps and building partnerships. Her wicket in the 18.1st over, caught by Chamari Athapaththu at point off Achini Kulasuriya’s bowling, marked another setback for Pakistan Women, who were striving to post a competitive total.
Late Struggles and a Fighting Total
Umme Hani and Diana Baig’s contributions at the end helped Pakistan Women inch towards a total of 75 runs. However, wickets continued to tumble, and the innings concluded on the last ball with Nashra Sandhu’s dismissal.
Sri Lankan Bowling Brilliance
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack put on a dazzling display against Pakistan Women, stifling their batting lineup and restricting them to a modest total of 75 runs. The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Udeshika Prabodhani, combined skill and discipline to keep the pressure on throughout the innings.
Udeshika Prabodhani’s Three-Wicket Haul
Udeshika Prabodhani emerged as the star bowler for Sri Lanka, scalping three crucial wickets in her spell of 4 overs. Her precise line and length troubled the Pakistani batswomen, and she conceded 21 runs at an economy rate of 5.25. Prabodhani’s ability to strike at crucial junctures of the game ensured that Sri Lanka had the upper hand.
Achini Kulasuriya’s Economical Spell
Achini Kulasuriya played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s bowling dominance, delivering a sensational spell of 4 overs. Her tight line and length allowed her to concede just 7 runs while capturing a vital wicket. Kulasuriya’s remarkable economy rate of 1.75 placed enormous pressure on the Pakistan Women’s team.
Inoshi Priyadharshani’s Precision
Inoshi Priyadharshani contributed to Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling effort with her precision. She bowled 3 overs, securing one crucial wicket for 13 runs. Her control over line and length made it challenging for the opposition to score freely, showcasing her value to the team.
Kavisha Dilhari’s Double Strike
Kavisha Dilhari, although slightly expensive with an economy rate of 7.50, proved to be a game-changer by capturing two important wickets in her 2-over spell. Her double strike rattled Pakistan Women’s middle order and played a pivotal role in limiting their total.
Inoka Ranaweera’s Contribution
Inoka Ranaweera chipped in with a disciplined bowling performance, taking one wicket for 11 runs in her 4-over spell. She maintained a steady economy rate of 2.75, which further squeezed the Pakistani batting lineup.
Chamari Athapaththu’s Early Dismissal
Sri Lanka Women’s innings got off to an unfortunate start as their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, departed early in the innings. She managed to score 14 runs off 19 balls but fell victim to a slower ball from Sadia Iqbal. Athapaththu tried to slog it over mid-wicket but couldn’t generate enough power, resulting in a comfortable catch for Diana Baig at deep mid-wicket. Her departure marked a pivotal moment with Sri Lanka at 17/1.
Anushka Sanjeewani’s Promising Start
Anushka Sanjeewani provided some hope with her brisk batting, scoring 15 runs off 13 deliveries at an impressive strike rate of 115.38. She struck two boundaries before her innings was cut short by Diana Baig. Sanjeewani’s dismissal, caught by Nashra Sandhu, halted her promising start, but she had already contributed significantly to the innings. At her exit, Sri Lanka was at 33/2.
Harshitha Samarawickrama’s Middle-Order Resistance
Harshitha Samarawickrama held the fort in the middle order, facing 41 deliveries and scoring 23 runs. Her innings was marked by determination and grit, even though she managed only one boundary. Unfortunately, she was run out by Sidra Ameen, falling victim to a mix-up in communication. Samarawickrama’s contribution was crucial as it anchored the innings at a score of 70/4.
Vishmi Gunaratne’s Early Departure
Vishmi Gunaratne’s short stay at the crease was cut short when she was stumped by Muneeba Ali off Umme Hani. Gunaratne, who had not yet opened her account, came down the track to flick but missed the delivery, allowing the keeper to do the rest. Her dismissal added to Sri Lanka’s early woes, reducing them to 35/3.
Nilakshi de Silva’s Unbeaten Finish
Nilakshi de Silva played a pivotal role in steering Sri Lanka towards victory. She remained unbeaten with 18 runs off 23 balls, displaying composure and a calculated approach. De Silva’s innings included a crucial six that sealed the win for Sri Lanka. Her steady presence at the crease ensured there were no further hiccups in the chase.
Hasini Perera’s Steady Support
Hasini Perera provided steady support to Nilakshi de Silva as she remained not out with 1 run off 2 balls. While her contribution might seem modest, her presence in the partnership helped stabilize the innings during the final stages.
Bowling Brilliance: Diana Baig Leads the Charge
In a match where bowling played a crucial role, Diana Baig emerged as the spearhead of the Pakistan Women’s attack. Her stellar performance saw her claim two pivotal wickets while conceding just 16 runs in her 3-over spell.
Her dismissals included the prized scalps of Harshitha Samarawickrama and Harshitha Madavi, which significantly hindered Sri Lanka Women’s batting momentum. With an impressive economy rate of 5.33 runs per over, Baig’s controlled and impactful bowling set the tone for Pakistan’s defense.
Economical Excellence: Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu Shine
Sadia Iqbal showcased her mastery in controlling the game with exceptional economy, conceding a mere 13 runs in her 4-over spell. She also managed to take a crucial wicket during her stint. Nashra Sandhu complemented the bowling attack with her spin, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.00 runs per over.
Although she didn’t secure any wickets, her consistent line and length kept the Sri Lankan batters in check. This disciplined bowling display by Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu contributed significantly to Pakistan Women’s efforts on the field.