Pakistan women's cricket team claimed the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 on 22 September by defeating Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third-place playoff at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. The victory, built on a composed captain's knock and a disciplined bowling display, handed Pakistan their third women's cricket medal at the Asian Games.

A Sweet Revenge for the Women in Green

The clash carried added weight — it was a direct rematch of the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games bronze medal playoff, where Bangladesh had beaten Pakistan to claim the same prize. This time, the Women in Green reversed the result emphatically, avenging that defeat with an all-round team performance. Pakistan had previously won gold at the 2010 and 2014 editions, making this their first medal since then.

Both sides arrived at the bronze clash after semifinal exits — Pakistan fell to Sri Lanka, while Bangladesh, led by captain Nigar Sultana, lost to India in the other last-four tie.

Fatima Sana Rescues Pakistan with the Bat

Pakistan's innings was anything but smooth. Wicketkeeper-opener Gull Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar provided a 46-run opening stand — Feroza scoring 31 from 23 balls, while Zulfiqar managed 17 from 27 balls at a slower rate. Bangladesh's bowlers then struck repeatedly, dragging Pakistan from 46/0 to 67/5, with Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Ritu Moni, and Akter Meghla doing the damage. Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter each picked up two wickets, with Nahida's figures reading 2 for 21 and Shorna returning 2 for 6.

Captain Fatima Sana then walked in and steadied the innings with a match-turning 45 from 30 balls. She stitched a 67-run sixth-wicket partnership with Aliya Riaz, who contributed 25 from 22 deliveries, to take Pakistan to a competitive 145/8 in their 20 overs.

Bowlers Complete the Job

Bangladesh's chase began disastrously, slumping to 20/3 inside 4.1 overs. Off-spinner Umm-e-Hani was the chief wrecker, removing Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary among her 3 wickets for 10 runs. Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter resisted with a 47-run fourth-wicket stand, but Sultana's dismissal for 25 in the 14th over effectively ended Bangladesh's hopes. Sharmin finished unbeaten on 46 from 45 balls, but found little support at the other end — Shorna Akter (6), Ritu Moni (3), Rabeya Khan (4), and Nahida Akter (10) all fell cheaply. Bangladesh were bowled out for 114, falling 31 runs short of the 146-run target.

Ayesha Zafar also chipped in with 1 for 10 to support Hani's three-wicket haul.

Brief Scorecard

Pakistan 145/8 (Fatima Sana 45 from 30 balls, Gull Feroza 31 from 23 balls; Nahida Akter 2-21, Shorna Akter 2-6) beat Bangladesh 114 (Sharmin Akhter 46* from 45 balls, Nigar Sultana 25 from 30 balls; Umm-e-Hani 3-10, Ayesha Zafar 1-10) by 31 runs.

What This Medal Means

The bronze is Pakistan women's first Asian Games cricket medal since their gold medal runs in 2010 and 2014, marking a return to the podium for a side that has been building steadily in the short format. With the gold medal match still to come, the India vs Sri Lanka final will decide who stands atop the podium in Nisshin.