KOROEGI: Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff on Tuesday to win the bronze medal in the women’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games.
Pakistan posted 145-8 in 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat at Koroegi Sports Park.
Bangladesh’s bowlers kept Pakistan’s batters under pressure and restricted them from building a bigger total.
However, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana led the innings with a quick unbeaten 45 off 30 balls. She hit three fours and three sixes.
Opener Gul Feroza also made a valuable contribution. She scored 31 off 23 balls, including six fours.
Aliya Riaz added 25 off 22 balls, with one four and two sixes. Meanwhile, opener Shawaal Zulfiqar scored 17 off 27 balls.
Saira Jabeen made five, Ayesha Zafar nine and Tuba Hassan four. Eman Fatima was dismissed without scoring.
For Bangladesh, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter and Nahida Akter took two wickets each. Sanjida Akter Meghla claimed one wicket.
Chasing 146, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum. The team managed 114-7 in its 20 overs as Pakistan secured a 31-run victory and the bronze medal.
Shamima Akter offered the strongest resistance for Bangladesh. She remained unbeaten on 46 off 45 balls and hit four fours.
Captain Nigar Sultana scored 25 off 30 balls, while opener Dilara Akter made 12 off eight.
Shorna Akter scored six, while Jannatul Ferdous and Rabeya Khan made four each. Ritu Moni scored three and Sobhana Mostary made two. Nahida Akter remained unbeaten on 10.
For Pakistan, Omaima Sohail? [Correction needed if the intended player is “Umm-e-Hani”] starred with the ball. She took three wickets for just 10 runs in four overs.
Tasmiya Rubab, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Ayesha Zafar claimed one wicket each.
The victory gave Pakistan the bronze medal after the team missed out on a place in the final.
