Pakistan claimed the bronze medal in the women’s cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games, overcoming Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff held at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Tuesday.
Electing to bat first, the Green Shirts could only manage 145-8 in their full 20 overs, as a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack kept the Pakistani batting lineup in check throughout the innings.
Fatima Sana Anchors the Innings
Captain Fatima Sana was the standout performer with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 45 runs off just 30 balls, an innings that included three fours and three sixes. Opening batter Gull Feroza also played a useful hand, scoring 31 off 23 deliveries with six boundaries to her name.
Aliya Riaz chipped in with a handy 25 runs off 22 balls, striking one four and two sixes, while opener Shawaal Zulfiqar added 17 off 27 deliveries without finding the boundary. Further down the order, Saira Jabeen made five off six balls with one boundary, and Ayesha Zafar contributed nine off seven deliveries, also hitting one four. Eyman Fatima failed to score in her three-ball stay at the crease, while Tuba Hassan struck a boundary on her way to four runs off two balls.
On the bowling side for Bangladesh, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter and Nahida Akter each picked up two wickets, with Sanjida Akter Meghla adding one more to the tally.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Seal the Bronze Medal Finish
Needing 146 to win, Bangladesh’s batting effort fell short as they were held to 114-7 in their 20 overs, with Pakistan’s bowlers turning the match around after a modest batting display of their own.
Shamim Akhter fought hard for Bangladesh, remaining not out on 46 off 45 balls with four boundaries, while captain Nigar Sultana added 25 runs off 30 deliveries, hitting three fours. Opener Dilara Akter got off to a quick start, scoring 12 off just eight balls with two boundaries.
Shorna Akter managed six off eight deliveries, and both Juairiya Ferdous and Rabeya Khan contributed four runs apiece. Ritu Moni and Sobhana Mostary added three and two runs respectively, while Nahida Akter finished not out on 10.
Umm-e-Hani led Pakistan’s bowling attack with figures of 3/10 across her four overs, while Tasmia Rubab, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Ayesha Zafar each took one wicket to help secure the bronze medal for Pakistan.