Pakistan Women's Team Clinches Bronze by Defeating Bangladesh in Asian Games

In a thrilling match at the Asian Games 2026, the Pakistan women's cricket team defeated Bangladesh by 31 runs to clinch the bronze medal. After setting a target of 146 runs, Pakistan's bowlers excelled, restricting Bangladesh to 114 runs. Captain Fatima Sana played a key role in the victory, contributing significantly with the bat and leading her team to success. This win marks Pakistan's second medal in the ongoing games, following a bronze in mixed martial arts. Read on to discover more about this exciting match and its implications for women's cricket in Pakistan.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 22, 2026, 14:43 IST

Pakistan Secures Bronze Medal in Asian Games

Aichi-Nagoya, Japan - On September 22, the Pakistan women's cricket team triumphed over Bangladesh, winning by 31 runs in the third-place playoff at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.

Bangladesh struggled to reach 114 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs while chasing a target of 146 runs, missing out on their first medal in this edition of the Asian Games.

Choosing to bat first, Pakistan got off to a solid start with Shawaal Zulfiqar and Gull Feroza, who put together a partnership of 46 runs for the opening wicket before Nahida Akter claimed Feroza's wicket. Feroza scored 31 runs off 23 balls, hitting six boundaries.

Saira Jabeen came in next but was dismissed quickly after scoring just five runs.

Zulfiqar managed 17 runs off 27 balls, while Eyman Fatima was dismissed without scoring. Ayesha Zafar added a quick nine runs before being caught out by Shanjida Akter Meghla.

At a precarious 67 for 5, captain Fatima Sana joined Aliya Riaz, and together they salvaged the innings with a partnership of 67 runs for the sixth wicket. Riaz contributed 25 runs off 22 balls, including two sixes and a four.

Sana played a crucial role, scoring 45 runs with three sixes and three fours before being dismissed on the last ball of the innings, helping Pakistan set a total of 145 for 8.

Bangladesh's bowling attack saw Nadida Akter, Ritu Moni, and Shorna Akter each take two wickets, while Shanjida Akter Meghla secured one wicket.

In response, Bangladesh started their innings positively with Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous. However, Umm-e-Hani struck first for Pakistan, dismissing Ferdous in the third over.

In the following over, Tasmia Rubab took out Dilara Akter, who scored 12 runs off eight balls. Sobhana Mostary followed shortly after, contributing just two runs.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sharmin Akhter steadied the innings with a partnership of 47 runs for the fourth wicket. However, the mounting pressure led to Joty's dismissal, trapped LBW by Ayesha Zafar after scoring 25 runs off 30 balls.

As wickets continued to fall, the required run rate increased. Sharmin Akhter remained not out at 46 runs off 45 balls, while Nahida Akter finished with 10 runs off six balls, but Bangladesh ended their innings 31 runs short of Pakistan's total.

Umm-e-Hani was the standout bowler for Pakistan, achieving figures of 4 overs, 1 maiden, 10 runs, and 3 wickets. Fatima Sana, Tasmia Rubab, Nashra Sandhu, and Ayesha Zafar each took one wicket, leading Pakistan to victory and securing the bronze medal.

Fatima Sana, who also served as the flag bearer for Pakistan during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2026, played a pivotal role in earning her country its second medal at the event. The first medal was secured by Asim Khan in mixed martial arts.

Currently, Pakistan holds the 26th position in the Asian Games 2026 medal tally with two bronze medals.