Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to reach Women’s Asia Cup final

Sri Lanka overcame a top-order collapse to defeat Pakistan by four wickets in the second semi-final of the Women's Asia Cup in Dubai, setting up a final clash against India.

Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana produced a remarkable all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 47 off 36 balls to push her team to 130 for 5, before taking 4 for 38 with the ball.

Early strikes by Sri Lankan spinners Chamari Athapaththu, Sugandika Kumari, and Chamudi Prabodha had initial control, reducing Pakistan to 52 for 4 at the halfway mark before Sana's late surge.

In response, Sri Lanka stumbled early to 5 for 2 and then 33 for 4 against Sana's initial spell.

A crucial 67-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama (36) and Kavisha Dilhari (33) turned the game back in Sri Lanka's favour.

Despite Sana returning to dismiss both set batters, Nilakshika Silva and Kaushini Nuthyangana held their nerve to complete the chase with eight balls remaining.