Pakistan secured the bronze medal in the women’s cricket competition at the Women’s Asian Games 2026 after beating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff. Fatima Sana played a key role with the bat as Pakistan recovered from a difficult position to post a competitive total before their bowlers completed the job.

Pakistan were in trouble at 67/5 during their innings, but Sana’s aggressive approach changed the momentum of the contest. Bangladesh struggled to build partnerships during the chase and eventually finished on 114/7, despite an unbeaten 46 from Sharmin Akhter.

Fatima Sana’s counter-attack lifts Pakistan to 145

Pakistan lost wickets regularly after being asked to bat first, reaching 67/5 by the 12th over. Gull Feroza provided some stability with 31 off 23 balls, while Shawaal Zulfiqar contributed 17 off 27, but Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the pressure on the Pakistan middle order. Fatima then produced a crucial counter-attacking innings, scoring 45 off just 30 deliveries. She struck five sixes and scored at a strike rate of 150, finding boundaries at a crucial stage of the innings.

Aliya Riaz also played an important supporting role, making 25 off 22 balls as the pair added 67 runs from 43 deliveries. The partnership gave Pakistan the late surge they needed, taking them to 145/8 from their 20 overs. Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter and Fahima Khatun took two wickets each for Bangladesh, but Pakistan had recovered strongly after being under pressure for much of the first half.

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Bangladesh fall short despite Sharmin Akhter’s unbeaten 46

Bangladesh never managed to establish the momentum required in their chase. Pakistan’s bowlers kept picking up wickets and restricted the scoring rate, leaving Bangladesh at 77/5 with less than five overs remaining. Umm-e-Hani was particularly effective with the ball, finishing with 3/10.

She struck in the third and fifth overs before returning later in the innings to remove another batter, ensuring Bangladesh could not build the partnership they needed. Sharmin fought until the end with an unbeaten 46 off 45 balls, but Bangladesh lacked support around her. They eventually finished on 114/7 from their 20 overs, handing Pakistan a 31-run victory and the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026.

Pakistan defend 145 comfortably against Bangladesh to take the bronze medal at the Asian Games 🥉#PAKvBAN #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/Unxppv1Q7O

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) September 22, 2026

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.