Sri Lanka Women qualified for the 2026 Asian Games Gold Medal match after completing their highest successful T20I run-chase to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets at Korogi Sports Park.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu anchored the pursuit of 178, finishing unbeaten on 83 from 50 deliveries. Sri Lanka reached 179/2 with 13 balls remaining, surpassing their previous record chase of 177/4 set earlier this year. The victory sets up a final against India on September 22.
Athapaththu’s innings included seven boundaries and six sixes. After scoring seven runs from her first 12 balls, she accelerated the scoring rate, specifically targeting Momina Riasat for 20 runs in a single over. Analysis of the match suggests this strategic acceleration disrupted Pakistan’s bowling plans and reinforced a psychological edge for Sri Lanka, who also defeated Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals earlier this month.
Athapaththu credited her partnership with Hasini Perera for sustaining the required run rate. She noted that the team’s batting depth provided the confidence to pursue the high target aggressively despite the slow start to her own innings.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 177 behind a record-breaking third-wicket partnership. Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar established a 115-run stand, a new Pakistan T20I record for that wicket. Zafar scored 71 off 40 balls, reaching her half-century in 27 deliveries to equal the third-fastest T20I fifty for Pakistan Women.
The match began after a two-hour delay caused by a wet outfield. Pakistan’s lineup featured Gull Feroza, who replaced Muneeba Ali in the squad after Ali returned home due to a family medical emergency.
Sri Lanka will face India in the Gold Medal match on September 22, 2026, after India secured their place with a 114-run victory over Bangladesh. Pakistan will move to the Bronze Medal play-off against Bangladesh on the same day.
