Sri Lanka Opts to Bowl First in Women’s Asia Cup Semi-Final Against Pakistan
In a crucial semi-final clash of the Women’s Asia Cup, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu elected to field first after winning the toss in Dambulla. Athapaththu expressed her team’s intention to restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 140 or less.
Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan fielded unchanged lineups for the high-stakes encounter. Pakistan skipper Nida Dar, on the other hand, preferred to bat first in a knockout match to alleviate pressure. She also stated that a score above 140 would provide a solid foundation for their defense.
Sri Lanka, who have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, and Pakistan have experienced contrasting fortunes in T20I cricket this year. Athapaththu’s team has triumphed in 12 of their 15 matches, while Pakistan has managed only three victories in 11 outings, with two of those wins coming in the ongoing Asia Cup.
The winner of this semi-final will advance to the final to face India, who have already secured their place.
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
1. Vishmi Gunaratne
2. Chamari Athapaththu (c)
3. Harshitha Samarawickrama
4. Hasini Perera
5. Anushka Sanjeewaniu (wk)
6. Kavisha Dilhari
7. Nilakshika Silva
8. Inoshi Priyadharshani
9. Udeshika Prabodhani
10. Sugandika Kumari
11. Achini Kulasuriya
Pakistan Playing XI:
1. Gull Feroza
2. Muneeba Ali (wk)
3. Sidra Amin
4. Nida Dar (c)
5. Omaima Sohail
6. Aliya Riaz
7. Fatima Sana
8. Tuba Hassan
9. Sadia Iqbal
10. Nashra Sandhu
11. Syeda Aroob Shah
