Nisshin, 17 September (H.S.): Pakistan secured a place in the women’s cricket semifinals at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Thailand by three wickets in their quarter-final encounter. Due to rain, the match at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin was reduced to 11 overs per side.

In the semifinal, Pakistan will face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Batting first, Thailand posted 91 for four in 11 overs. Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scored with 49 runs off 38 deliveries. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana claimed two wickets.

Pakistan made a positive start to the chase, with opening batters Gul Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar putting together 36 runs for the first wicket. After both batters were dismissed, Thailand’s bowlers maintained the pressure and Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Pakistan’s position became precarious when captain Fatima Sana was dismissed in the eighth over after scoring 21 runs off 13 balls. At that stage, Pakistan were 70 for five.

Tuba Hassan, Eman Nasir and Umm-e-Hani then held their nerve to guide Pakistan to the target. Pakistan completed the victory with two balls to spare.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh advanced to the semifinals after their quarter-final against China was called off due to rain.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar