Pakistan Women secured the bronze medal in the women’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Bangladesh Women by 31 runs. The playoff match took place on 22 September 2026 at the Aichi Prefectural Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
Cricket World
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan scored 145/8 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, a disciplined bowling effort restricted Bangladesh to 114/7. The victory returns Pakistan to the Asian Games podium, ending a 12-year wait for a medal in women’s cricket.
Cricket World+ 2
Pakistan Recover to Post 145
Pakistan opened their innings with a solid 46-run partnership between Gull Feroza and Shawal Zulfiqar. Feroza scored a sharp 31 off 23 deliveries, hitting six boundaries. However, Bangladesh’s spin attack quickly shifted momentum, triggering a collapse that reduced Pakistan from 46/0 to 67/5 in the 12th over.
Cricket World+ 1
+--------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| Stat Category | Pakistan Women Innings Breakdown |
+--------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| Toss Decision | Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat |
| Top Scorers | Fatima Sana 45 (30), Gull Feroza 31 (23) |
| Recovery Stand | 67-run 6th-wicket stand (Sana & Riaz) |
| Final Total | 145/8 in 20.0 overs |
+--------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
Captain Fatima Sana spearheaded the recovery alongside senior batter Aliya Riaz. The duo combined for a 67-run sixth-wicket partnership. Sana scored 45 off 30 balls—striking three fours and three sixes—while Riaz contributed 25 from 22 balls to propel Pakistan to a total of 145/8.
Bangladesh Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 146 runs, Bangladesh endured an early setback and fell to 20/3 within the powerplay overs. Openers Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary were dismissed early, leaving captain Nigar Sultana with a major rebuilding task.
AP7AM+ 1
Sultana (25 off 30 balls) and Sharmin Akhter added 47 runs for the fourth wicket. However, Pakistan’s tight bowling lines prevented Bangladesh from accelerating, and Sultana’s departure in the 14th over effectively ended Bangladesh’s chances. Sharmin Akhter remained unbeaten on 46 off 45 balls as Bangladesh finished on 114/7.
AP7AM+ 1
Umm-e-Hani and Pakistan’s Bowlers Deliver
Off-spinner Umm-e-Hani delivered a match-defining bowling performance for Pakistan. Hani struck early in her spell to remove Bangladesh’s top-order batters, setting the tone for the defense.
AP7AM
+------------------+------------------+----------------------------------+
| Bowler | Overs & Maidens | Wicket Figures & Economy |
+------------------+------------------+----------------------------------+
| Umm-e-Hani | 4.0 overs (1 M) | 3/10 (Econ: 2.50) |
| Fatima Sana | 4.0 overs (0 M) | 1/25 (Econ: 6.25) |
| Nashra Sandhu | 4.0 overs (0 M) | 1/19 (Econ: 4.75) |
| Ayesha Zafar | 2.0 overs (0 M) | 1/10 (Econ: 5.00) |
+------------------+------------------+----------------------------------+
Hani finished with figures of 3/10 in her four overs, including one maiden. Nashra Sandhu (1/19), Fatima Sana (1/25), and Ayesha Zafar (1/10) provided disciplined support to seal the 31-run victory.
Fatima Sana Leads Pakistan to the Podium
Fatima Sana’s leadership and all-round performance were central to Pakistan’s bronze-medal victory. Her 30-ball 45 brought crucial momentum when the team was in danger of being bowled out cheaply.
AP7AM+ 1
She backed up her batting effort with a wicket and sharp tactical field placings, ensuring Bangladesh never found the required boundary rate.
AP7AM
Pakistan Return to the Asian Games Podium
This bronze medal represents Pakistan’s first Asian Games women’s cricket medal since 2014. Pakistan previously won back-to-back gold medals in women’s cricket at Guangzhou in 2010 and Incheon in 2014.
Gulf News
With cricket returning to the Asian Games roster in 2026 after missing the 2018 edition, securing bronze adds a third Asian Games cricket medal to Pakistan’s historical tally.
Times Now
A Bronze Medal After a Disappointing Semi-Final
Pakistan entered the third-place match after a setback in the semi-finals, where they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets. Pakistan posted 177/4 in that semi-final, but Sri Lanka chased down the target with 13 balls remaining to reach the gold-medal match against India.
Despite missing out on a chance at gold, Pakistan rebounded in the playoff, showing focus to defeat Bangladesh and secure third place.
Cricket World
What the Medal Means for Pakistan Women’s Cricket
The Asian Games bronze medal provides a positive finish for Pakistan’s squad following recent international tours. Podium finishes at regional events help maintain funding, visibility, and development pathways for women’s cricket in Pakistan.
Gulf News
Establishing a consistent core of young performers alongside experienced figures like Aliya Riaz gives Pakistan a balanced foundation as they prepare for upcoming international commitments.
Conclusion
Pakistan Women’s 31-run victory over Bangladesh earned them a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games. Anchored by Fatima Sana’s 45, Gull Feroza’s top-order start, and Umm-e-Hani’s 3/10 bowling spell, Pakistan defended 145/8 with control. Returning to the Asian Games podium after 12 years marks a meaningful achievement for the team.
Cricket World+ 1
Sources
- Google Sports Data / Asian Games Event Center: Official Scorecard: Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women (22 September 2026).
- Yardbarker / Cricketenmore: Asian Games: Pakistan Women Bag Bronze After Beating Bangladesh in Third-Place Clash (22 September 2026). Yardbarker
- Gulf News: Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team Clinch Bronze Medal at Asian Games 2026 (22 September 2026). Gulf News
- Cricket World: Asian Games Women: Pakistan Defend 145/8 to Beat Bangladesh by 31 Runs and Secure Bronze Medal (22 September 2026). Cricket World
