SYLHET: Pakistan’s run at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup met a heartbreaking end as they fell short by just a run against Sri Lanka in the semi-final at the Sylhet Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The Bismah Maroof-led Pakistan were high on confidence after finishing second in the league-round, beating five off their six opponents, including arch-rivals India following an upset against Thailand.

However, wickets at crucial points in the semi-final let Pakistan down in a match which was well under their control for most part of it, depriving them from meeting India again in the finale after the six-time champions beat Thailand in the first semi-final in the day’s first fixture.

“It was a very clinical performance from all who played [in this tournament],” Bismah said after the match. “Very proud of the team [for how] they came back from the Thailand match.”

Chasing 123, Pakistan needed three runs off the last ball of their innings with veteran all-rounder Nida Dar on the crease.

The right-hander — arguably Pakistan’s best player at the tournament — was run out in an attempt to steal a double off Achini Kulasuriya after getting dropped by Kavisha Dilhari at extra-cover.

Dilhari, however, kept her cool to return the ball to the wicket-keeper, who smashed the stumps with Nida struggling to make the crease to confirm Pakistan’s agonising exit.

By the end of the 15th over, Pakistan looked set to complete the chase with ease, needing just 34 with captain Bismah Maroof and Nida solid in the middle.

The duo had been careful in their approach after Pakistan lost openers Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen and number three batter Omaima Sohail for a total of 66 runs by the 11th over. However, Bismah took on Dilhari for two consecutive boundaries in the 16th, bringing the asking rate less to than run-a-ball.

What turned it around for Sri Lanka was Bismah’s dismissal off Sugandika Kumari eight balls later — ending her and Nida’s 42-run partnership — and youngster Ayesha Naseem’s wicket in the penultimate over, leaving Pakistan needing nine off the last.

“We controlled well in the middle [overs], but we gave some lose balls as well,” Bismah said. “We didn’t bat well in the end. Their bowlers bowled well as well.”

Muneeba and Sidra provided a solid 31-run start to Pakistan’s innings. The left-handed Muneeba scored 18 off 10 balls, hitting three fours, before getting herself run-out at the start of the fourth over. After Muneeba’s, Bismah joined Sidra and the pair combined for 16 runs for the second wicket before the latter Sidra departed after adding just nine.

Pakistan were 46-1 by the end of the powerplay and found themselves in a spot of bother when they lost Omaima Sohail (10) as Nida walked in.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Sri Lanka managed to score 122-6 in 20 overs, on the back of a 50-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama — who hit one four in her 35 off 41 —and Nilakshi de Silva (14) for the third wicket.

Opening batter Anushka Sanjeewani was other notable run getter for Sri Lanka with 26 off 21 balls, which included a four and a six.

Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu was the most successful bowler, registering figures of 3-17. Spinners Sadia Iqbal and Nida and right-arm pacer Aiman Anwer bagged a wicket each.

For Sri Lanka, who were pinned down by Pakistan’s Ayesha Naseem’s late cameo in their final league round match, a comeback against the same side in the semi-final was morale-boosting and lead them to an Asia Cup final after 14 years.

“Bit of pressure in the middle, but I trust my bowlers! We changed the batting order, but we are happy with this win,” Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu said.

“After 14 years, we are in the Asia Cup final. We are happy!

“Wicket was really good, and in the first six overs they batted really well. We knew it won’t be easy after that, so we stuck with our plans in the middle overs.”

Scores in brief:

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by one run

SRI LANKA 122-6 in 20 overs (Harshitha Samarawickrama 35, Anushka Sanjeewani 26; Nashra Sandhu 3-17); PAKISTAN 121-6 in 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 42, Nida Dar 26; Inoka Ranaweera 2-17).

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2022