Pakistan’s women’s cricket team secured the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff on Tuesday, September 22, in Nisshin, Japan. Pakistan posted 145 for eight before restricting Bangladesh to 114 for seven in 20 overs.
The victory gave Pakistan its third medal in women’s cricket at the Asian Games. The team had previously won gold medals in 2010 and 2014. Pakistan also gained some measure of redemption after Bangladesh defeated them in the bronze-medal match at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Fatima Sana Leads Pakistan’s Fightback
Pakistan were in trouble after losing five wickets for just 67 runs following a steady opening partnership. Captain Fatima Sana then changed the momentum with an attacking 45 from 30 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes.
Fatima combined with Aliya Riaz for a 67-run partnership from 43 balls. Aliya added 25 from 22 deliveries as Pakistan scored 55 runs during the final five overs to finish on 145 for eight. Gull Feroza had earlier contributed 31 from 23 balls.
Umm-e-Hani Stars With the Ball
Bangladesh struggled early in the chase as Umm-e-Hani and Tasmia Rubab reduced them to 20 for three inside five overs. Umm-e-Hani took three wickets for just 10 runs in her four overs, including a wicket-maiden.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter attempted to rebuild the innings with a 47-run fourth-wicket partnership. Nigar scored 25, while Sharmin remained unbeaten on 46. However, Bangladesh could not maintain the required scoring rate and finished at 114 for seven.
Umm-e-Hani’s figures of 3-10 were the best T20I bowling figures of her career, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board. Fatima Sana also took one wicket, adding to her all-round contribution.
Pakistan Return to the Asian Games Podium
Pakistan began their Asian Games campaign with a three-wicket win over Thailand in the quarter-final. They then lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the semi-final, sending them into the bronze-medal playoff against Bangladesh.
The bronze medal ensures Pakistan finish the women’s cricket competition on the podium at the 2026 Asian Games. The result also adds another medal to Pakistan’s Asian Games women’s cricket record after their gold-medal victories in 2010 and 2014.
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