Pakistan women’s cricket team claimed the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the bronze-medal match at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Tuesday.
A powerful all-round display from Fatima Sana and a match-winning spell from Umm-e-Hani helped Pakistan overcome Bangladesh in a contest that saw the team recover strongly after losing five wickets for just 21 runs.
Pakistan posted 145 for 8 in 20 overs, with Fatima Sana producing a crucial 45 off 30 balls. In reply, Bangladesh managed 114 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs, with Umm-e-Hani claiming an impressive 3 for 10.
The victory gave Pakistan their third Asian Games women’s cricket medal, following gold-medal triumphs in 2010 and 2014.
Fatima Sana Leads Pakistan’s Batting Revival
Pakistan made a confident start after captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat first.
Openers Gull Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar added 46 runs during the opening 6.4 overs. Feroza was particularly aggressive, scoring 31 from 23 deliveries with six boundaries, while Shawaal contributed 17.
Bangladesh, however, quickly turned the momentum around. Their bowlers picked up five Pakistani wickets for only 21 runs, leaving Pakistan in a difficult position.
With the innings under pressure, Fatima Sana stepped up.
The Pakistan all-rounder joined forces with Aliya Riaz, and the pair produced a crucial 67-run partnership from 43 balls. Their aggressive batting in the closing stages transformed Pakistan’s position and gave the team a competitive total.
Fatima smashed three sixes and three fours during her 30-ball 45, while Aliya Riaz scored 25 from 22 deliveries, including two sixes and a four.
Pakistan accelerated dramatically during the final five overs, scoring 55 runs despite losing wickets late in the innings.
Umm-e-Hani Spins Bangladesh Into Trouble
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a difficult start as Pakistan’s bowlers immediately applied pressure.
Umm-e-Hani struck twice early, dismissing Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary, while Tasmia Rubab removed Dilara Akter for 12.
Bangladesh were reduced to 20 for 3 after 4.3 overs, putting Pakistan firmly in control.
Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter attempted to rebuild the innings with a 47-run fourth-wicket partnership. Nigar made 25 from 30 balls before Ayesha Zafar dismissed her in the 14th over.
Sharmin remained unbeaten on 46 from 45 balls, but Bangladesh’s required run rate had climbed beyond 10 runs per over by the halfway point.
Umm-e-Hani then completed a career-best spell in the tournament when she dismissed Shorna Akter for six, finishing with 3 wickets for just 10 runs.
Nashra Sundhu claimed Bangladesh’s seventh wicket as Pakistan eventually restricted their opponents to 114 for 7.
Fatima Sana Continues Her Outstanding 2026
Fatima Sana’s contribution was not limited to her batting.
Her 45-run innings took her 2026 WT20I run tally to 540, making her Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the format during the year.
She also picked up the wicket of Ritu Moni, taking her WT20I wicket tally for 2026 to 31.
Her combined contribution with bat and ball proved decisive in Pakistan’s bronze-medal victory.
Pakistan Add Another Asian Games Medal
The bronze medal represents Pakistan’s third medal in Asian Games women’s cricket history.
Pakistan previously won gold at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games. The team had also faced Bangladesh in the bronze-medal match at the 2022 Asian Games, where Bangladesh secured the medal.
The 2026 victory therefore marked a successful return to the Asian Games podium for Pakistan women’s cricket.
Pakistan’s Asian Games 2026 Journey
Pakistan’s campaign in the women’s cricket event included three matches:
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17 September: Pakistan defeated Thailand by three wickets in the quarter-final.
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20 September: Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the semi-final.
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22 September: Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 31 runs in the bronze-medal match.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Match Summary
Pakistan: 145/8 in 20 overs
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Fatima Sana – 45 (30)
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Gull Feroza – 31 (23)
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Aliya Riaz – 25 (22)
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Shorna Akter – 2/16
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Nahida Akter – 2/21
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Ritu Moni – 2/27
Bangladesh: 114/7 in 20 overs
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Sharmin Akhter – 46* (45)
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Nigar Sultana – 25 (30)
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Umm-e-Hani – 3/10
Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs.
A Bronze Medal Built on All-Round Cricket
Pakistan’s victory was ultimately shaped by two key performances. Fatima Sana rescued the innings when Pakistan were struggling at 90 for 5, while Umm-e-Hani’s disciplined bowling prevented Bangladesh from building momentum during the chase.
With the bat, ball and crucial partnerships all contributing, Pakistan finished their Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket campaign with a bronze medal, adding another chapter to their history in the continental tournament.
