Key Takeaways
- Pakistan women's cricket team secured a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Games after a narrow victory over Thailand.
- Fatima Sana's 21 runs and Shawal Zulfiqar's 25 runs were crucial in the team's victory.
- Despite losing seven wickets, Pakistan managed to cross the finish line with two balls to spare.
Pakistan women's cricket team secured a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Games after a thrilling victory over Thailand in the quarter-final at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
Put in to bat, Thailand posted 91 runs in the designated 11 overs, despite a rain delay, setting a challenging target for Pakistan.
Pakistan's captain Fatima Sana and opener Shawal Zulfiqar provided a strong start, scoring 25 and 21 runs respectively, but the team lost seven wickets in the process.
Thailand's Nannapat Koncharoenkai got off to a brisk start, scoring 24 runs in the powerplay, while Fatima Sana dismissed Natthakan Chantham for six runs early in the innings.
Despite a dropped catch by wicket-keeper Gul Feroza and lapses in the field, Thailand raced to 72 runs off 9 overs, with Phannita Maya retiring out on 15 runs.
Pakistan's Nauremol Chaiwai hit Nashra Sandhu for a six and a four before falling, while Fatima Sana's 38-ball-49 performance was crucial in dismissing Koncharoenkai.
Shawal and Gul Feroza started the chase strongly, but both were dropped in the third and fourth overs, leading to a wobble at 43-3.
Pakistan's Aliya Riaz was dismissed in the same over, and despite Ayesha Zafar's early dismissal, the team managed to score 39 runs in the fifth over.
Fatima Sana's 21 runs and the team's resilience in the final overs ensured Pakistan crossed the finish line with two balls to spare, securing their place in the semi-finals.
