Women’s Asia Cup: Fatima Sana’s Valiant Effort Guide Pakistan To 130/5 Against Sri Lanka

By Pramit Meher

**Women's Asia Cup S2 — Pakistan 130/5 vs Sri Lanka** Pakistan skipper **Fatima Sana** rescued her side from a middle-order collapse with a composed unbeaten 47 off 36 to guide Pakistan to 130/5 in their 20-over innings against Sri Lanka, in the second semifinal at Dubai International Cricket Stadium today. Pakistan were in deep trouble at 52/4 inside the 10th over before Sana walked in. She anchored the chase of her own runs with real composure, but the Dubai heat and humidity clearly took their toll — she had to signal the team physio twice mid-innings for help. As a sports-medicine professional, I can tell you pushing through that kind of thermal load is tough on focus and hydration, so her ability to keep the scoreboard ticking was genuinely impressive. She finished strong but did need a bit of support down under. **Supporting cast:** Gull Feroza held up her end with a steady 21 off 32, while Tuba Hassan added a quick 12* off 10 to close out the innings. Opener **Shawaal Zulfiqar** set things off well with 24 off 16, playing straight and pressing the bowlers early, in line with her tournament approach. **Sri Lanka bowling:** Captain **Chamari Athapaththu** clawed Lanka back into it with figures of 2/24, taking vital wickets at the death. Left-arm spin duo **Chamodi Praboda (2/25)** and **Sugandika Kumari (1/20)** also bowled tightly, making scoring hard. Lanka's fielding was a little loose, but their spin attack did the damage. Pakistan finish with a competitive but modest total. Lanka now bat — the real test begins. **Scorecard:** Pakistan Women 130/5 (20 ov) | Fatima Sana 47* | Shawaal Zulfiqar 24 | Chamari Athapaththu 2/24 *Source: IANS* Source: Cricketnmore