Pakistan’s women’s cricket team secured the bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place play-off at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on Tuesday. Captain Fatima Sana played a crucial counter-attacking innings of 45 from 30 balls as Pakistan recovered from a mid-innings collapse to post 145 for eight. Spinner Umm-e-Hani then delivered a decisive spell of three wickets for 10 runs as Bangladesh finished on 114 for seven in their 20 overs
Pakistan Recover After Batting Collapse
Pakistan were sent in to bat and initially made a steady start. Gull Feroza scored 31 from 23 balls, helping Pakistan establish a useful opening partnership with Shawaal Zulfiqar. However, Bangladesh fought back strongly and Pakistan slipped from 46 without loss to 67 for five.
The situation put Pakistan under pressure, but Fatima Sana changed the momentum of the innings. The captain attacked Bangladesh’s bowlers, scoring 45 from 30 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. Her innings provided the stability Pakistan needed at a critical stage.
Fatima then combined with Aliya Riaz in a 67-run partnership from 43 balls. Aliya contributed 25 from 22 deliveries, including two sixes and a four. The partnership lifted Pakistan from a difficult position and helped the team reach 145 for eight after 20 overs.
Umm-e-Hani Leads Pakistan’s Bowling Attack
Bangladesh needed 146 runs to win the bronze medal, but Pakistan’s bowlers immediately created pressure. Bangladesh lost three wickets for only 20 runs, leaving the chasing side in a difficult position.
Umm-e-Hani was Pakistan’s standout bowler. She conceded just 10 runs from her four overs and took three wickets, including a wicket-maiden. Her economical spell prevented Bangladesh from building the scoring momentum required in a 20-over chase.
Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter attempted to rebuild the innings. Nigar made 25 from 30 balls, while Sharmin remained unbeaten on 46 from 45 deliveries, hitting four fours. But Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at the other end and finished on 114 for seven.
Pakistan’s 31-run victory secured the bronze medal and completed a strong response after the team had been beaten by Sri Lanka in the semi-final.
Pakistan Return to Asian Games Podium
The bronze medal is Pakistan’s third women’s cricket medal at the Asian Games. Pakistan previously won gold in 2010 and 2014, before finishing fourth at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.
The latest medal also carries added significance because Bangladesh had defeated Pakistan in the bronze-medal match at the 2022 Asian Games. Four years later, Pakistan reversed that result by beating Bangladesh in the match for third place.
Pakistan entered the 2026 competition as one of the seeded teams and faced Thailand in the quarter-final. Pakistan won that match by three wickets before meeting Sri Lanka in the semi-final. Sri Lanka won the semi-final by eight wickets, sending Pakistan into the bronze-medal contest.
Fatima Sana’s Leadership Stands Out
Fatima Sana played a central role in Pakistan’s medal campaign. The captain was Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the bronze-medal match and helped rescue the innings when Bangladesh had reduced the team to 67 for five.
Her 45-run innings was followed by an important bowling contribution from Umm-e-Hani, whose three-wicket spell helped Pakistan defend what initially appeared to be a challenging but achievable total.
What the Bronze Medal Means for Pakistan
Pakistan’s return to the Asian Games podium gives the women’s team another medal in a competition where it has historically performed strongly. The country’s previous women’s cricket gold medals came in 2010 and 2014.
The 2026 result also shows the importance of recovering from setbacks in a knockout tournament. After the semi-final defeat to Sri Lanka ended Pakistan’s hopes of playing for gold, the team responded with a disciplined performance against Bangladesh.
The bronze medal gives Pakistan another podium finish at a major multi-sport event and adds to the country’s women’s cricket record at the Asian Games.
Pakistan women finished the 2026 Asian Games women’s cricket competition with the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs. Fatima Sana’s 45 helped Pakistan recover to 145 for eight, while Umm-e-Hani’s outstanding 3-10 restricted Bangladesh to 114 for seven.
The medal is Pakistan’s third women’s cricket medal at the Asian Games, following gold medals in 2010 and 2014. After missing the podium in Hangzhou in 2022, Pakistan have returned to the medals in Japan, with the victory over Bangladesh providing a strong finish to their 2026 campaign.
