Pakistan Women’s cricket team has narrowly advanced to the semi-finals of the 20th Asian Games 2026 after a thrilling three-wicket victory over Thailand Women in a rain-curtailed quarter-final match at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The Girls in Green survived a late scare, chasing down Thailand’s competitive total with just two balls to spare.
The match, originally scheduled as a T20, was reduced to 11 overs per side due to persistent rain, setting the stage for a high-octane encounter. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s crucial all-round performance proved pivotal, first with the ball and then with the bat.
Thailand Sets Challenging Target
Opting to bat first after the delayed toss, Thailand posted a formidable 91 for 4 in their allotted 11 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai led from the front with a brilliant, anchoring knock of 49 runs off just 38 deliveries, including seven boundaries. Contributions also came from opener Phannita Maya (15 off 16) and a quickfire 10 off 3 balls by captain Naruemol Chaiwai, which provided crucial late impetus to their innings.
For Pakistan, captain Fatima Sana was the pick of the bowlers, snaring 2 wickets for 22 runs in her three overs. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu also chipped in with a vital wicket, helping to keep the Thai scoring somewhat in check despite the shortened format.
Pakistan’s Dramatic Chase
Chasing a challenging target of 92 runs, Pakistan’s innings was spearheaded by Shawaal Zulfiqar, who scored a rapid 25 runs off 14 deliveries, decorated with three fours and a six. Fatima Sana continued her impactful day, adding a quickfire 21 off 13 balls. However, Pakistan experienced a middle-order wobble, losing wickets at regular intervals as Thailand’s bowlers fought hard.
The match went down to the wire, with Pakistan eventually sealing the victory by three wickets with only two deliveries remaining in the final over. Umm-e-Hani struck the winning run, ensuring Pakistan’s passage to the semi-finals of the prestigious continental tournament.
This crucial victory sends Pakistan into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final between Sri Lanka and Malaysia on September 20. The semi-finalists will now set their sights on the gold medal match scheduled for September 22.