The Pakistan women’s cricket team held their nerve in a rain-curtailed quarter-final, securing a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Thailand to book their place in the Asian Games semi-finals.
Rain reduced the high-stakes encounter to 11 overs per side. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan struck early when skipper Fatima Sana removed an opener in the second over. However, Thailand rallied through a strong 65-run partnership between Phannita Maya and Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who top-scored with an impactful 49 to push Thailand’s total to 91 for four. Fatima Sana was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, finishing with two wickets.
In pursuit of the 92-run target, Pakistan’s chase got off to a steady start with a 36-run opening stand courtesy of Shawal Zulfiqar (25) and Gull Feroza (16). A flurry of quick wickets disrupted the middle order, but Fatima Sana anchored the innings with a vital 21, punctuated by three fours and a six. Tuba Hassan then provided the finishing touches, striking a four and a six in an unbeaten 13 to guide Pakistan home with two balls to spare.
