Pakistan Women Bag Bronze Medal at Asian Games Behind Sana and Hani Heroics

Pakistan Women clinched the bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games, avenging their previous edition's defeat by holding off Bangladesh Women for a 31-run victory in Pingfeng.

Early Top-Order Wobble: Opting to bat first, Pakistan got off to a quick start via open duo Gull Feroza (31) and Shawaal Zulfiqar before experiencing a mid-innings collapse. A clinical middle-overs spell from Bangladesh spinners Shorna Akter (2/20) and Nahida Akter (2/18) slumped Pakistan from a comfortable 46/0 down to 67/5.  

Captains' Counter-Attack: Dropped early in her innings, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana made Bangladesh pay by dominating the second half of the innings. She slammed an unbeaten 45* off 30 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes) and compiled a vital 67-run sixth-wicket partnership alongside Aliya Riaz (25) to rescue Pakistan to 145/8.  

Early Strikes by Umm-e-Hani: Defending 145, off-spinner Umm-e-Hani struck immediately in the powerplay, dismantling Bangladesh's top order with a tight spell of 3/10 (or 3/20 in 4 overs). Bangladesh struggled to build early partnerships as they stumbled to 20/3.  

Steadfast Middle-Order Defiance: Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana (25) and Sharmin Akter (46*) staged a 47-run fourth-wicket fightback. However, as the required run-rate spiraled out of control, Sultana was dismissed attempting a big hit in the 14th over.  

Bronze Secured: With Sharmin Akter running out of partners and scoring support, Bangladesh were eventually held to 114/7 in their 20 overs. The 31-run win allowed Pakistan to step onto the podium and secure the Asian Games bronze medal.

Pakistan 145 for 8 (Sana 45, Feroza 31, Shorna 2-16, Nahida 2-21, Moni 2-27) beat Bangladesh 114 for 7 (Sharmin 46*, Umm-e-Hani 3-10) by 31 runs