Pakistan claimed the bronze medal in the women’s cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games on Tuesday, beating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
Pakistan batted first, posting 145-8 in their 20 overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers fought hard throughout the innings, keeping the Pakistani batting lineup under pressure.
Captain Fatima Sana top-scored for Pakistan, hitting 45 off just 30 balls. She struck three boundaries and three sixes during her innings. Opener Gull Feroza added 31 runs off 23 deliveries, finding the boundary six times.
Aliya Riaz played a useful knock of 25 off 22 balls, hitting one boundary and two sixes. Fellow opener Shawaal Zulfiqar scored 17 off 27 deliveries but couldn’t find the boundary.
Saira Jabeen made five off six balls with one boundary, while Ayesha Zafar scored nine off seven deliveries, including a boundary. Eyman Fatima departed for a duck after facing three balls. Tuba Hassan chipped in with four runs off two deliveries, hitting one boundary.
Bangladesh’s Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter and Nahida Akter each picked up two wickets, while Sanjida Akter Meghla took one.
Chasing 146 for victory, Bangladesh struggled with the bat and finished on 114-7 in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers staged a strong fightback after their own middling batting performance.
Shamim Akhter fought hard for Bangladesh, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 45 balls with four boundaries. Captain Nigar Sultana scored 25 runs off 30 deliveries, hitting three boundaries. Opener Dilara Akter made 12 off eight balls, including two boundaries.
Shorna Akter added six off eight deliveries. Juairiya Ferdous and Rabeya Khan scored four runs each. Ritu Moni contributed three runs and Sobhana Mostary added two, while Nahida Akter finished unbeaten on 10.
Umm-e-Hani led Pakistan’s bowling attack with figures of 3/10 in her four overs. Tasmia Rubab, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Ayesha Zafar picked up one wicket each.
