PAKISTAN batter Aliya Riaz in action during a net practice session at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Thursday.—courtesy PCB
PAKISTAN batter Aliya Riaz in action during a net practice session at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Thursday.—courtesy PCB

DAMBULLA: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Pakistan face hosts Sri Lanka in the second semi-final of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup here on Friday.

Pakistan, after a disappointing loss to India, bounced back strongly in the continental event with convincing victories over Nepal and the United Arab Emirates earning their spot in the final four.

Pakistan’s opening pair of Gull Feroza and Mune­eba Ali has formed a formidable partnership, while the bowling attack, comprising Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu, Tuba Hassan and Syeda Aroob Shah, has worked effectively.

Pakistan captain Nida Dar expressed confidence in her team’s ability to perform well in the semi-final.

“After the initial setback, we got to the right tra­ck and are showing sig­ns of improvement,” the skipper said. “We will be entering the match fully determined to give our best.”

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have enjoyed a dominant group stage, remaining undefeated. Their batting, led by Chamari Atha­paththu, has been particularly impressive. Spinner Kavisha Dilhari has been a force to reckon with, claiming crucial wickets in recent matches.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

PTI in disarray
Updated 30 Nov, 2024

PTI in disarray

PTI’s protest plans came abruptly undone because key decisions were swayed by personal ambitions rather than political wisdom and restraint.
Tired tactics
30 Nov, 2024

Tired tactics

Matiullah's arrest appears to be a case of the state’s overzealous and misplaced application of the law.
Smog struggle
30 Nov, 2024

Smog struggle

AS smog continues to shroud parts of Pakistan, an Ipsos survey highlights the scope of this environmental hazard....
Solidarity with Palestine
Updated 29 Nov, 2024

Solidarity with Palestine

The wretched of the earth see in the Palestinian struggle against Israel a mirror of themselves.
Little relief for public
29 Nov, 2024

Little relief for public

INFLATION, the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services over a given period of time, has receded...
Right to education
29 Nov, 2024

Right to education

IT is troubling to learn that over 16,500 students of the University of Karachi (KU) have defaulted on fee payments...