Pakistan secured the bronze medal in the women’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, on Tuesday.
Pakistan were sent in to bat and posted 145-8 in their allotted 20 overs, with captain Fatima Sana leading the scoring effort with an unbeaten 45 off 30 deliveries.
Fatima struck three boundaries and three sixes during her crucial innings, while opener Gull Feroza provided a strong start with 31 off 23 balls, including six boundaries.
Aliya Riaz added a valuable 25 off 22 deliveries, hitting one four and two sixes. Shawaal Zulfiqar contributed 17 off 27 balls, while Ayesha Zafar scored nine from seven deliveries.
Saira Jabeen made five, Eyman Fatima was dismissed without scoring and Tuba Hassan added four off just two balls.
For Bangladesh, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter and Nahida Akter claimed two wickets each, while Sanjida Akter Meghla took one wicket.
Pakistan bowlers turn the game around
Bangladesh needed 146 runs to win but struggled to maintain momentum against Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The Tigresses finished their 20 overs at 114-7, falling 31 runs short despite a determined effort from Shamim Akhter.
Shamim remained unbeaten on 46 off 45 deliveries, hitting four boundaries, while Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana scored 25 from 30 balls with three boundaries.
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Opener Dilara Akter provided a quick start with 12 off eight deliveries, including two boundaries, but Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals.
Shorna Akter scored six, while Juairiya Ferdous and Rabeya Khan made four each. Ritu Moni scored three and Sobhana Mostary added two, while Nahida Akter remained unbeaten on 10.
Umm-e-Hani leads Pakistan’s bowling attack
Umm-e-Hani was the standout bowler for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 3-10 from her four overs.
Tasmia Rubab, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Ayesha Zafar took one wicket apiece as Pakistan successfully defended their total.
The victory earned Pakistan a bronze medal and capped their Asian Games campaign with a podium finish after a disciplined performance in the third-place playoff.
