Sri Lanka Edge Past Fatima Sana's Fireworks to Reach Women's Asia Cup Final

Sri Lanka Women survived a scare from Pakistan Women's Fatima Sana to reach the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final, chasing down 131 with a 4-wicket win in Dubai. They will face India in Sunday's final.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl, but Pakistan recovered from an early wobble thanks to captain Fatima Sana, who blasted an unbeaten 47 off 36 balls in a rescue act that took Pakistan to a competitive 130/5. Chamari Athapaththu picked up 2/24 with the ball.

In the chase, Sri Lanka lost both Athapaththu and Sanjana Kavindi inside the second over, but Harshitha Samarawickrama (36) and Kavisha Dilhari (33) put on a crucial 67-run stand to steady the innings. When both fell in quick succession with the target still 25 away, Nilakshika Silva (18* off 10) and Kaushani Nuthyangana (10* off 4, including the winning six) finished the job with 8 balls to spare. Remarkably, Fatima Sana also picked up a career-best 4/38 with the ball despite the defeat, and was named Player of the Match for her all-round effort.

Sri Lanka now set up a final showdown with unbeaten India Women on September 13 in Dubai, in what promises to be a fitting climax to the tournament.