Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan Semi-Final Highlights, Women's Asia Cup: Captain Fantastic Athapaththu Powers SL-W To Final In Dambulla Roller-Coaster

Squads:

Pakistan Women Squad: Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali(w), Tuba Hassan, Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Nida Dar(c), Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Najiha Alvi, Tasmia Rubab, Iram Javed, Diana Baig

Sri Lanka Women Squad: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani(w), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya, Ama Kanchana, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani

Matches - 19

Pakistan - 10

Sri Lanka - 8

No Result - 1

Pakistan have edged the head-to-head battle, but can they turn up on the day under pressure, with a finals spot on the line?

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and has inserted Pakistan to have a bat.

Explaining the decision, she said: "We will bowl first, confident of our bowling unit. I think 140 is a good score to chase. A good batting surface, need to stick with our plans. Playing the same XI."

Pakistan (Playing XI): Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali(w), Tuba Hassan, Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Nida Dar(c), Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani(w), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya

The surface could aid spin as the game progresses. Batting first, and batting big can prove vital. Have Sri Lanka made the right choice? Can Pakistan capitalise? It is almost time for the second semi-final

The second semi-final is underway in Dambulla and Pakistan are off to a cautious start with Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza opening the batting. For Sri Lanka, Inoshi Priyadharshini starts off with the new ball.

Pakistan's Gull Feroza is on the move having already scored 20 runs in quick time, while Muneeba Ali has also shown glimpses of intent. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have taken a step back, trying to be economical.

The Pakistan openers have dominated the powerplay and Pakistan score 45 runs in the first six overs. It has been a mixture of some good shots, brilliant running and defensive bowling.

After a good start from the Pakistan openers, Sri Lanka fight back with two wickets and are back in the game at the halfway mark.

Pakistan have scored 94 runs in 14 overs, having lost just two wickets. With lots of batting still left in the hut, can they shift into their attacking gear and find the finishing touches to reach 140?

Pakistan have reached 140 in their 20 overs. Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana all chipped in to take their side to a respectable total on a good Dambulla surface. Can Sri Lanka chase it down?

Sri Lanka lose Vismi Gunaratne for a duck as Chamari Athapaththu is joined by Harshitha Samarawickrama out there in the middle with pressure starting to rise.

Chamari Athapaththu is yet again carrying the hope and expectation of the entire nation, with a Women's Asia Cup final spot on the line. However, she will need help from others with the required run-rate starting to slowly go over eight.

Sri Lanka continue to score at a decent rate with Athapaththu and Dilhari in the middle, whereas Pakistan are looking for the squeeze. Sri Lanka need 72 in the last ten. Nida Dar's side will be in search of wickets. The side who handles the pressure could come out on top!

And there's the much needed breakthrough for Pakistan - well, one brings two as there is smiles all round. Sadia Iqbal has two wickets in three balls and Pakistan are back in it.

Guess who it is? Yes, you probably guessed it right. Chamari Athapaththu breaks free with three boundaries in an over to bring Sri Lanka back into the contest. Game on with five overs to go.

Sri Lanka's hopes all pinned on Athapaththu, while Pakistan desperately look for wickets. 18 from 18. Surely SL's to lose? Will there be a twist?

The victory pendulum swings again, and this time towards Pakistan. They have the big fish, and Sadia Iqbal is over the moon as Dambulla goes silent.

Sri Lanka are through to the finals of the 2024 Women's Asia Cup beating Pakistan by three wickets and one ball to spare. The game constantly swung both ways but the tournament hosts held their nerve to somehow get home.

"Heart-broken totally. The young players were positive, need to appreciate them. We were 10-15 runs short I think. 140 could have been defended, it went to the last ball. Youngsters played really well, that needs to be appreciated."

"The game was tight, I got out but my girls finished it off in style. I hope my girls will play in this way in the final. We batted really good, though we lost a couple of wickets early. I took my time, as a senior batter I had to lead from the front. I tried to finish the game, but unfortunately got out. The final is an important game, but we don't want any pressure. This was a magnificent game."

Thank you so much for joining us, and we will see you very soon. Until next time, goodbye and take take!