Karogi, 17 September 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan defeated Thailand by three wickets with two balls to spare in a thrilling second quarter-final of the Asian Games Women’s Cricket competition at Korogi Athletic Park on Thursday, securing a place in the semifinals. The match was reduced to 11 overs after rain delayed the scheduled start. Pakistan won the toss and invited Thailand to bat first, with Thailand posting 91 runs to set Pakistan a target of 92. Thailand’s number-three batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scored with 49 off 38 balls, including seven fours. Fatima Sana struck on the second ball of her opening over to dismiss Natthakan Chantham for six. Koncharoenkai then added 65 runs with Phannita Maya for the second wicket, while Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai contributed 10 runs off three balls. Fatima Sana dismissed Koncharoenkai leg-before wicket in the final over and finished with figures of two for 22 from three overs. In reply, Pakistan’s openers Shawaal Zulfiqar and Gull Feroza gave their side a brisk start, putting together 36 runs in 3.5 overs. Thailand fought back by taking four wickets for 11 runs in 13 deliveries, leaving Pakistan at 47 for four at the end of the powerplay. Fatima Sana then provided vital momentum with 21 off 13 balls, including three fours and a six. Tuba Hassan also played a key role, smashing a six and a four in the penultimate over to reduce the target to four runs from the final six balls. Umm-e-Hani and Eman Naseer completed the chase with four singles, with Umm-e-Hani scoring the winning run as Pakistan crossed the line with two balls remaining. The two Asian Games Women’s Cricket semifinals will be played on Sunday, September 20, at the same venue.