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Dubai: Pakistan's women's cricket team regained a podium finish at the Asian Games after a 12-year absence, earning bronze following a 31-run victory over Bangladesh. Pakistan set a formidable target of 145-8 by batting first, with captain Fatima Sana scoring 45 off just 30 balls. Opener Gull Feroza contributed 31 runs off 23 deliveries, guiding Pakistan from 67-5 to a competitive total.

Bangladesh struggled in their chase, finishing on 114-7. Sharmin Akhter top-scored for Bangladesh with an unbeaten 46 off 45 balls, while Nigar Sultana added 25 runs. Umm-e-Hani was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming 3-10 from her four overs, aiding the team's successful chase. This bronze medal marks a significant turnaround for Pakistan, who had a poor performance in the Women's Asia Cup earlier this month, reaching the semi-finals but losing to Sri Lanka.

The Asian Games history of Pakistan's women's cricket team includes gold medals in 2010 and 2014, with the sport previously absent from the programme before returning at the 2022 Asian Games, where Pakistan finished fourth. Tuesday's victory signifies a strong comeback after their loss in the bronze-medal match to Bangladesh at the 2022 Asian Games, as Pakistan secured their third women's cricket medal at the Asian Games and their first since 2014.

For Fatima and her team, this bronze medal provides a much-needed response to their Asia Cup disappointment and adds another podium finish to Pakistan's Asian Games stage.