Pakistan women win Asian Games bronze

Pakistan claimed the women’s cricket bronze medal at the Asian Games on Tuesday after beating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place play-off. Pakistan posted 145-8 after being sent in to bat at Korogi Sports Park, with captain Fatima Sana top-scoring with 45 from 30 balls. Gull Feroza struck 31 off 23 deliveries, while Aliya Riaz added 25 as Pakistan recovered from 67-5 to set Bangladesh a challenging target. Fatima, who hit three fours and three sixes, and Riaz put together a 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket to revive the innings. Bangladesh struggled in reply and finished on 114-7 in their 20 overs. Sharmin Akhter remained unbeaten on 46 from 45 balls, while captain Nigar Sultana made 25, but Bangladesh lost wickets regularly and never threatened to overhaul the target. Spinner Umm-e-Hani was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, taking 3-10 from four overs. The bronze medal gives Pakistan a podium finish after they lost their semi-final to Sri Lanka by eight wickets on Sunday. Pakistan had previously won women’s cricket gold at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games.