Hangzhou, China, September 24, 2023: The hopes of two-time women's cricket champions Pakistan securing a golden treble at the Asian Games were ended by Sri Lanka, who swept to a convincing six-wicket victory in the semi-finals on Sunday.
Sri Lanka, who arrived in Hangzhou fresh from their first ever T20 series win over world number two-ranked England, restricted Pakistan to 75 for nine in their 20 overs on a slow and sticky wicket before knocking off the runs for the loss of four wickets with 21 balls to spare.
The island nation will now meet neighbours and outright favourites India in the women’s final at Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field on Monday, September 25.
India, appearing for the first time at an Asian Games, had booked their berth in the final with an easy eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
Bangladesh was bowled out for 51 with 23-year-old medium-pacer Pooja Vastrakar, a late addition to the squad, grabbing four for 17. India swept to victory with more than 11 overs remaining. This comprehensive victory assures India their maiden medal in the Asian Games, although the colour is yet to be decided.
Pakistan will meet Bangladesh on Monday in the bronze medal play-off.
Cricket was played in the 2010 and 2014 editions but India chose not to send teams in either the women’s or men’s competitions.
