Pakistan escape 2026 Asian Games exit after defeating Thailand in women's cricket

Dubai: Pakistan avoided an upset exit from the women's cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games after a nail-biting quarterfinal victory against Thailand. The match, which was shortened by rain, saw Thailand post a modest 91 for three in their allotted 11 overs, with wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai scoring 49 runs. Pakistan, however, managed to chase down the target comfortably, finishing at 92 for seven in 10.4 overs.

Captain Fatima Sana's timely 21 runs proved crucial, followed by Tuba Hassan's 13, which enabled Eman Nasser and Umm-e-Hani to score the final two runs. This win keeps Pakistan's hopes alive for a third gold medal after a disappointing performance at the Women's Asia Cup, where they lost to Sri Lanka in the semifinals. The team, known as the most successful in Asian Games history with two gold medals, will now focus on winning the semifinal against the winner of Sri Lanka vs Malaysia, scheduled for September 20.