Pakistan secured their place in the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup 2024 with a dominant ten-wicket win over the UAE, marking the first such victory in the tournament's history. The win was anchored by an unbeaten century stand between Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan restricted the UAE to 103 for 8, thanks to a strong performance from their spinners. Sadia Iqbal was particularly effective, taking 2 wickets for 11 runs at an economy rate of 2.75. Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan also contributed, each taking two wickets, with Sandhu dismissing the UAE openers and Hassan taking the crucial wicket of Theertha Satish.
In response, Feroza and Muneeba chased down the target in just 13.1 overs. Feroza, who was named Player of the Match for the second consecutive game, scored an unbeaten 62. She had a shaky start, surviving a near dismissal on her first ball, but quickly found her rhythm. Muneeba also had a bit of luck, narrowly escaping a run-out after a misstep.
Pakistan ended the power play at 42 without loss, with the required run rate well under control. They accelerated in the middle overs, taking advantage of some loose bowling from the UAE, particularly in an over that included seven extras.
Earlier, UAE struggled to build momentum after winning the toss and electing to bat. Captain Esha Oza started with a boundary but failed to capitalise, managing only a few more runs. Theertha Satish was the standout for the UAE, scoring 40, but wickets fell regularly, disrupting their innings. The UAE's score was bolstered by some aggressive running between the wickets and a few lapses in Pakistan's fielding.
Pakistan's fielding was mixed; while their catching was reliable, they had several instances of poor ground fielding, allowing extra runs. Despite these lapses, Pakistan's bowlers kept the pressure on, taking wickets in quick succession towards the end of the innings.
With this victory, Pakistan not only secured their spot in the semi-finals but also set a new standard in the Women's Asia Cup with their ten-wicket win. Meanwhile, UAE ended their campaign with three losses.