Women's Asia Cup: Sri Lanka knock out Pakistan with 4-wicket win to set up final date with India

Sri Lanka sealed a thrilling four-wicket win over Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in semifinal clash to book their Women's Asia Cup 2026 final berth. Sri Lanka will now take on India in the title clash on Sunday. Rescuing Pakistan after they were put in to bat, Fatima struck an unbeaten 47 to propel her side to a paltry total 130/5.

Sri Lanka pocket Women's Asia Cup final berth with win over Pakistan

Fatima then spearheaded the defense with the ball, picking up 4/38 to keep Pakistan in the contest. However, Sri Lanka's middle order held their nerve under pressure, overcoming Fatima's fierce spell to chase down the target with eight balls to spare and secure a place in the marquee clash.

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Chasing 131 for victory, Sri Lanka navigated a tense run-chase to cross the finish line with eight deliveries to spare. The innings got off to a disastrous start as the team faltered to 33 for 4 inside seven overs, but a crucial 67-run fifth-wicket stand between Harshitha Samarawickrama (36) and Kavisha Dilhari (33) steadied the ship and put the pursuit back on track.

The contest swung once more when Pakistan captain Fatima Sana struck twice in a single over to remove both set batters, leaving Sri Lanka vulnerable at 109 for 6 with 22 runs still needed off the final 18 balls. Unfazed by the mounting pressure, Nilakshika Silva (13*) and Kaushini Nuthyangana (14*) showed tremendous composure in an unbeaten lower-order stand, calmly knocking off the remaining runs to seal the hard-fought win.

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Opting to bat first, Pakistan found themselves in early trouble after collapsing to 52 for 4 within the opening ten overs. Captain Fatima Sana then spearheaded a crucial recovery, playing a captain's knock of 47 not out off 36 balls to lift her side to a lowly total of 130/5, which proved insufficient in the end.

India vs Sri Lanka in Women's Asia Cup final

The victory sets up a high-stakes final for defending champions Sri Lanka, who famously captured their maiden Asia Cup title by defeating India in the 2024 summit clash. They now face Harmanpreet Kaur’s formidable Indian side, who enter the final eyeing a record-extending eighth Asia Cup crown.

India reach the title match on the back of an unstoppable campaign, riding a four-match winning streak into the final. After sweeping through the group stage with three dominant victories, the tournament favorites sealed their spot with a comfortable 40-run win over Bangladesh in the semifinals.