Athapaththu stars as Sri Lanka reach Asian Games final

A sensational unbeaten 83 from Chamari Athapaththu powered Sri Lanka Women to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan, securing their place in the final of the Asian Games Women's Cricket Competition.

Batting first after being asked to do so, Pakistan posted 177 for 4 in 20 overs, their highest-ever T20I total against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, reaching 181 for 2 in 19.3 overs to complete a convincing victory.

Athapaththu was the star of the chase, smashing 83 not out from just 50 balls, including six sixes. She initially took some time to settle, scoring only seven runs from her first 12 deliveries.

However, she changed gears dramatically in the eighth over, smashing Momina Riasat for 6, 4, 6, 4 to ignite the Sri Lankan chase.

Athapaththu was then joined by Hasini Perera, who played an aggressive innings of 42 from 26 balls. The pair added 95 runs from 56 balls before Hasini was dismissed at the end of the 14th over.

With 47 runs still required from 36 balls at that stage, Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama needed only 23 deliveries to complete the chase.

Earlier, Pakistan's innings was built around Ayesha Zafar, who smashed 71 from 40 balls with nine fours and two sixes.

Shawaal Zulfiqar also contributed a half-century, scoring 54 from 50 balls. The pair added 115 runs for the third wicket from 70 deliveries.

Despite Pakistan posting a competitive total, Sri Lanka's powerful chase ensured a comfortable eight-wicket victory and a place in the Asian Games final.

Pakistan – 177/4 (20 overs)
Ayesha Zafar 71, Shawaal Zulfiqar 54

Sri Lanka – 181/2 (19.3 overs)
Chamari Athapaththu 83*, Hasini Perera 42

Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets.