Pakistan Women Claim Bronze Medal in T20 Thriller

Pakistan women won the bronze medal at the Asian Games by defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs at Korogi Sports Park. Batting first, Pakistan recovered from a mid-innings wobble to post a competitive total of 145 for 8 in their 20 overs. Opener Gull Feroza contributed a solid 31 runs off 23 balls to give Pakistan a stable start. Captain Fatima Sana led from the front under pressure, smashing a crucial 45 off 30 balls. Aliya Riaz supported Sana with a vital 25 runs, helping stitch a game-changing 67-run partnership. Bangladesh’s bowlers—Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, and Ritu Moni—claimed two wickets each to trouble Pakistan early. Chasing 146, Bangladesh stumbled heavily and were reduced to 20 for 3 early in their innings. Off-spinner Umm-e-Hani starred with the ball for Pakistan, finishing with brilliant figures of 3 for 10. Sharmin Akhter fought hard with an unbeaten 46, but Bangladesh could only manage 114 for 7 in 20 overs. The win successfully avenged Pakistan’s bronze-playoff defeat to Bangladesh from the 2023 Asian Games.