Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to reach Women's Asia Cup final

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by four wickets in the second semifinal of the 2026 Women's Asia Cup on Friday, chasing a target of 131 to set up a final against India. The victory, achieved with seven balls remaining at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, marks Sri Lanka's third consecutive semifinal win over Pakistan in the tournament, following successes in 2022 and 2024. Pakistan, having batted first after losing the toss, posted a total of 130 for six. Captain Fatima Sana was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 47 off 36 balls. She anchored the innings after early wickets, including the dismissal of opener Muneeba Ali in the second over. A 40-run partnership between Sana and Gull Feroza steadied the innings before a late flourish from Sana and Tuba Hassan added crucial runs. Sana then made an immediate impact with the ball, taking two wickets in her first over to leave Sri Lanka at 5 for 2. However, a 67-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari turned the match in Sri Lanka's favor. Samarawickrama scored 36 off 31 balls, while Dilhari contributed 33.