Sep 20, Kathmandu - Sri Lanka secured a spot in the women's cricket final at the Asian Games after an impressive batting performance by captain Chamari Athapaththu. In the first semi-final held on Sunday morning, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets, ensuring a place in the gold medal match.

Chasing a strong target of 178 set by Pakistan, Sri Lanka achieved the victory with 13 balls remaining and only 2 wickets lost. Chamari Athapaththu played a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls with 7 fours and 6 sixes. Hasini Perera contributed 42 runs.

Pakistan's Fatima Sana and Nashra Sandhu took one wicket each for their team.

Earlier, Pakistan, batting first after winning the toss, scored 177 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs. Ayesha Jaffer scored 71 runs, while Shawaal Zulfiqar added 54.

For Sri Lanka, apart from captain Chamari, Sugandika Kumari and Kawya Kavindi each took one wicket.

Sri Lanka will now face the winner of the India vs. Bangladesh match in the gold medal final.