Sri Lanka and Pakistan set for Asian Games semi-final clash

Sri Lanka Women will take on Pakistan Women in the semi-final of the 2026 Asian Games women's cricket tournament, with both sides looking to secure a place in the final.

Sri Lanka enter the contest with a slight advantage after defeating Pakistan in the semi-final of the Women's T20 Asia Cup earlier this month. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana produced an impressive all-round performance in that match, but Sri Lanka eventually secured the victory.

Pakistan were again pushed hard in their Asian Games quarter-final against Thailand. Chasing a rain-reduced target of 92, Pakistan slipped to 47 for 4 before Fatima Sana helped guide them through a difficult chase.

Both teams have shown some inconsistency with the bat in recent matches. Pakistan suffered batting collapses against Thailand and India in the Asia Cup, while Sri Lanka also struggled against Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka, however, have been able to rely on their strong spin attack to maintain control in crucial moments. Breaking through that bowling unit will be one of Pakistan's biggest challenges in the semi-final.

The contest will also feature an intriguing battle between the two captains, Fatima Sana and Chamari Athapaththu. Sana has taken 29 wickets in 19 T20Is this year, while Athapaththu has claimed 26 wickets in 20 matches.

With the bat, Athapaththu has scored 638 runs in 2026 at a strike rate of 143.04, while Sana has made 475 runs at an impressive strike rate of 148.90.

Athapaththu is coming off a 63 off 37 balls against Malaysia, while Sana played a key role in Pakistan's previous meeting with Sri Lanka, scoring an unbeaten 47 and taking four wickets in the Asia Cup semi-final.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have an even record in T20Is, with both teams winning 12 of their 25 meetings. One match ended without a result.

Sri Lanka will be hoping to continue their recent success against Pakistan and reach the Asian Games final, while Pakistan will be looking to avenge their Asia Cup semi-final defeat and book their place in the title decider.

Nilakshika Silva remains unavailable for Sri Lanka after suffering a finger fracture during the Asia Cup, while Vishmi Gunaratne has also been left out of the squad. Hansima Karunaratne and Rashmika Sewwandi have been given opportunities during the Asian Games.