Fatima Sana Leads Pakistan to Asian Games Semi-Final Win

ASEAN GAME – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Fatima Sana once again proved why she leads this Pakistan side, playing a key role with both bat and ball as her team booked a spot in the Asian Games Women’s Cricket semi-finals.

The quarter-final clash against Thailand was far from simple. Heavy rain delayed the toss and cut the match down to just 11 overs a side. Fans at Korogi Sports Park had to wait patiently before any action could begin.

Once play started, Thailand were sent in to bat first. Their batting unit fought hard against a tough Pakistan bowling attack. Wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai was the star for Thailand, smashing a quickfire 49 runs off just 38 balls, including seven boundaries.

Other Thai batters chipped in too. Phannita Maya added 15 runs, while skipper Naruemol Chaiwai hit a blistering cameo of 10 runs from only three balls. Their combined effort helped Thailand post 91 for 4 in the shortened contest.

Pakistan’s bowlers, however, kept things tight when it mattered most. Fatima Sana led from the front, picking up two wickets while giving away just 22 runs in her three overs. Spinner Nashra Sandhu also grabbed a wicket, helping restrict Thailand’s scoring.

Chasing a target of 92 runs in a short 11-over match is never easy, and Pakistan’s innings had plenty of drama. Wickets kept falling, and by the final over, seven batters had already been dismissed.

Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition 2026
Pakistan Women vs Thailand Women

Pakistan Women beat Thailand Women by 3 wickets.

Thailand Women: 91-4 (11 ov)
Pakistan Women: 92-7 (10.4 ov)

Scorecard: https://t.co/k8ZI9ZGKrJ#PAKWvTHAW | #BackOurGirls

— PCB Live Scores (@TheRealPCB_Live) September 17, 2026

Still, Pakistan held their nerve. Shawaal Zulfiqar played the innings of the match, scoring 25 runs off just 14 deliveries. Her knock included three fours and a huge six, giving Pakistan the momentum they badly needed.

Fatima Sana backed up her bowling with a solid batting show too. She scored 21 runs from 13 balls, hitting three boundaries and a six along the way. Her all-round performance was a big reason behind Pakistan’s win.

Gull Feroza also played a useful hand, scoring 16 runs, while Tuba Hassan smashed a quick 13 off just seven balls. Every run counted in such a tense, low-scoring chase.

In the end, it was Umm-e-Hani who sealed the victory, running the winning single as Pakistan reached their target with wickets to spare, but nerves fully tested.

This win means a lot for Pakistan’s campaign at the Asian Games. Reaching the semi-finals shows the growing strength and confidence of the women’s cricket team on the international stage.

Fatima Sana’s leadership, both with the ball early on and the bat under pressure, will be remembered as one of the turning points of this match. Her calm approach in a rain-hit, high-pressure game reflects the kind of captain Pakistan needs right now.

Cricket fans back home will now look forward to the semi-final clash, hoping Pakistan can carry this momentum forward and continue their impressive run at the Asian Games.