Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the fighting spirit of the national women’s team following their gut-wrenching defeat against Sri Lanka in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024 semi-final.
The nerve-wracking second semi-final of the eight-team tournament went right down to the wire as Pakistan captain Nida Dar made it tough for the hosts to chase down three runs in the final over.
Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper batter Anushka Sanjeewani, however, displayed nerves of steel and steered her side to a narrow three-wicket victory that set up their Women’s Asia Cup 2024 final with defending champions India.
Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the national team’s effort and urged them to keep their heads high.
“Absolutely proud of the Pakistan women’s cricket team,” wrote Naqvi on X, formerly Twitter.
“You fought with heart and determination till the very last ball. Winning and losing are both part of the game, but what truly matters is the spirit and resilience you displayed.
“You have lived up to the nation’s expectations and made us all proud. Keep your heads high; you have our unwavering support. Best of luck for the future.”
Set to chase 141, Sri Lanka knocked the winning runs on the penultimate delivery of the innings when Anushka Sanjeewani held her nerves calm to hit Nida Dar for a single towards the long-on.
The home side had a dismal start to the pursuit as they were reduced to 19/2 in four overs.
However, their captain Athapaththu retaliated against spirited Pakistan bowlers and oversaw Sri Lanka’s run chase.
She put together crucial partnerships with Kavisha Dilhari (17) and Sanjeewani before finally perishing in the 17th over.
Athapaththu smashed 10 boundaries including a six on her way to top score for Sri Lanka with a 48-ball 63.
Her dismissal caused a stir in Sri Lanka’s chase as Pakistan bowlers forced a late comeback but wicketkeeper batter Sanjeewani showcased grit and powered the hosts into their sixth Women’s Asia Cup final.
Sanjeewani remained unbeaten with a 22-ball 24.
Sadia Iqbal was the pick among the bowlers for Pakistan with her four-fer while Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail shared two wickets between them.
Earlier, Pakistan registered 140/4 on the board, courtesy of a solid platform provided by openers Muneeba and Gull Feroza, after being put into bat first.
The opening pair batted sensibly on a tricky Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium surface and added 61 runs for the first wicket.
Muneeba and Feroza appeared in control until Udeshika Prabodhani forced Sri Lanka’s comeback by dismissing both the openers.
Wicketkeeper batter Muneeba Ali remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 34-ball 37, laced up with five fours while Feroza made a cautious 25 off 24 balls, hitting three fours in the process.
Later, Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana bolstered Pakistan’s total by scoring 40 runs in the last five overs.
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