Fatima Sana's all-round effort in vain as Sri Lanka down Pakistan in Women's Asia Cup semi-final

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s all-round effort went in vain as Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in a Women’s Asia Cup semi-final for the third consecutive edition on Friday, chasing down their 131-run target with seven balls to spare to set up a final against India. Fatima scored an unbeaten 47 off 36 balls and took four wickets, but Sri Lanka reached 134-6 with Harshita Samarawickrama leading the chase with 36 off 31 balls. Sri Lanka opted to bowl after winning the toss, meaning Pakistan batted first for the fourth consecutive match in the tournament. Pakistan also fielded an unchanged XI for the fourth successive game. Pakistan made a slow start, with opener Muneeba Ali falling to Sugandika Kumari in the second over, sending a simple catch to mid-off. Shawaal Zulfiqaar then accelerated, hitting Mithali Ayodhya for two fours and a six in the next over.

She then cleared long-on off Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for six, but fell to the same bowler off the next delivery while attempting to play the ball fine. Wicket-keeper Kaushini Nuthyangana completed a sharp catch. Ayesha Zafar joined Gul Feroza but lasted only eight balls, scoring seven before edging Athapaththu to the wicketkeeper while attempting a cut. Sadaf Shamas was then stumped off Chamudi Praboda for eight off 11 balls, bringing Fatima to the crease. Fatima and Feroza consolidated the innings with a 40-run partnership before Feroza was caught by Athapaththu at long-off off Praboda. Fatima and Tuba Hassan then added 38 in the final four overs to take Pakistan to 130-6. Fatima battled cramps in the Dubai heat to remain unbeaten on 47, hitting boundaries off both Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari, while Tuba scored 12 off 10 balls. Fatima strikes early Fatima made an immediate impact with the ball, taking two…