Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in the second semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu chose to field, putting Pakistan into bat in the crucial knockout encounter.
The winner of the match will face India in the tournament final at the same venue. India secured its place in the summit clash after defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semi-final. The second semi-final therefore carries added importance, with both Sri Lanka and Pakistan aiming to join India in the title decider.
Sri Lanka entered the semi-final after topping Group B with three victories from as many matches. The defending champions have maintained a strong run throughout the group stage, although they will be aware that knockout matches bring different pressure and challenges. Pakistan finished second in Group A after losing only to India during the league phase.
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Pakistan’s batting has been a major concern during the tournament, particularly in matches against Thailand and India. However, the team produced its strongest batting display in its final group-stage game and will hope to carry that confidence into the semi-final. Captain Fatima Sana is expected to play a key role with both bat and ball as Pakistan seeks its first Asia Cup title.
Sri Lanka will look to players such as Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva, who have stepped up when captain Athapaththu has not made a major impact with the bat in recent matches. Sri Lanka’s balanced squad and consistent performances have made them one of the leading contenders, but Pakistan will be determined to challenge the defending champions.
Sri Lanka named Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu, Sanjana Kavindi, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda and Mithali Ayodhya in their playing XI. Pakistan included Muneeba Ali, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Eyman Fatima, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal.
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