Pakistan secure Asian Games Women’s Cricket Bronze after 31-run win over Bangladesh

Pakistan clinched the bronze medal in the women’s cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Tuesday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 145 for 7, with captain Fatima Sana once again leading from the front. The all-rounder scored a crucial 45 off 30 balls, including three sixes and three fours, to rescue Pakistan after they slipped to 90 for 5 in 15 overs.

Openers Gull Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar gave Pakistan a solid start, adding 46 runs in 6.4 overs. Feroza struck 31 off 23 balls with six boundaries, while Shawaal made 17. Bangladesh, however, fought back strongly and reduced Pakistan to 90 for 5.

Fatima then joined Aliya Riaz to change the momentum. The pair produced a 67-run partnership from just 43 balls. Aliya contributed 25 off 22 balls, hitting two sixes and a four, as Pakistan scored 55 runs in the final five overs.

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Umm-e-Hani and Tasmia Rubab reduced them to 20 for 3 in 4.3 overs. Hani dismissed Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary, while Tasmia removed Dilara Akter. Saira Jabeen took all three catches, including an outstanding effort at the cover boundary.

Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter attempted to rebuild the innings with a 47-run fourth-wicket partnership. Nigar scored 25 off 30 balls before she was dismissed leg-before by Ayesha Zafar in the 14th over.

Hani then completed an outstanding spell, dismissing Shorna Akter for six to finish with career-best WT20I figures of 3 for 10, including a wicket-maiden. Nashra Sundhu claimed the seventh wicket as Bangladesh finished on 114 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Fatima also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket to move her tally to 31 WT20I wickets in 2026. She has now scored 540 WT20I runs this year, making her Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the format.

The bronze marks Pakistan’s third medal in Asian Games women’s cricket. They previously won gold medals in 2010 and 2014, while Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in the bronze-medal match at the 2022 Asian Games.

The victory therefore gives Pakistan a medal on their return to the Asian Games women’s cricket podium, with Fatima Sana’s all-round brilliance and Umm-e-Hani’s career-best bowling proving decisive.