Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have advanced to the semifinals of the women’s cricket tournament at the Asian Games 2023. Sri Lanka defeated Thailand in a rain-affected quarterfinal, while Bangladesh’s match against Hong Kong was washed out.
Playing at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou, Sri Lanka easily chased down Thailand’s target of 79 runs in 15 overs. Thailand, after a strong comeback, managed to post 78-7 in their allotted overs, with Chanida Sutthiruang contributing 31 runs from 24 balls at number seven. However, Sri Lanka cruised to victory with 25 balls to spare, finishing at 84-2. They will now face Pakistan in the second semifinal on Sunday.
In the other semifinal, Bangladesh will take on India. Bangladesh qualified for the semis based on their higher world ranking after their match against Hong Kong was abandoned due to rain.
Sri Lanka coach Rumesh Joseph Ratnayake expressed his team’s determination to win the gold medal. He mentioned that the team is focused on winning crucial moments of the game, taking it match-by-match, and even ball-by-ball. Sri Lanka enters the semifinals in high spirits, having recently won a T20 series against England 2-1.
The final of the women’s cricket tournament will be held on Monday. The 19th Asian Games officially open on Saturday, with the men’s cricket tournament set to begin on September 27.