PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi reacts after Pakistan's exit in Women's Asia Cup 2024 semi-final

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has given his first reaction on Pakistan's heartbreaking defeat at the hands of hosts Sri Lanka in the Women's Asia Cup 2024 semi-final. The match was played at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.

It was a narrow defeat as Pakistan had their chances but could not hold on to them. Dropped catches and a few basic mistakes on the field were enough to knock Pakistan out of the tournament.

After the match, it was all ecstasy in the Sri Lankan dressing room as the players and the support staff celebrated the win. There were smiles all around the camp. The ground was at full capacity as the home fans cheered for the Sri Lankan team throughout the match.

But at the same time, it was all tears in the Pakistan camp. The players could feel the pain of getting so close to the summit clash and yet not getting across the line. The support staff seemed distraught at the result and were seen consoling the players.

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Mohsin Naqvi reacts after Pakistan Women's heartbreaking loss

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also shared his first reaction after the match and lauded the team for fighting till the last ball. Naqvi called for the girls to keep their heads high and wished them good luck for the future.

"Absolutely proud of the Pakistan women's cricket team! You fought with heart and determination till the very last ball. Winning and losing are both part of the game, but what truly matters is the spirit and resilience you displayed," Mohsin Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"You have lived up to the nation's expectations and made us all proud. Keep your heads high; you have our unwavering support. Best of luck for the future," he added.

Absolutely proud of the Pakistan women's cricket team! You fought with heart and determination till the very last ball. Winning and losing are both part of the game, but what truly matters is the spirit and resilience you displayed. You have lived up to the nation's expectations…

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This was Pakistan's second successive semi-final loss to Sri Lanka in the Women's Asia Cup semi-final. In the last edition of the tournament played in Bangladesh, Pakistan suffered a narrow defeat to Sri Lanka by 1 run in the semi-final.

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan for the second successive time in the Women's Asia Cup semi-final

Coming to the match, Pakistan Women posted a decent total of 140-4 in 20 overs. Openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali provided Pakistan with a good start before Feroza was dismissed for 25. Pakistan stumbled in the middle overs as their run rate dropped.

But they picked up their run rate in the slog overs as Nida Dar and Fatima Sana played crucial cameos down the order. Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari picked up two wickets apiece for Sri Lanka.

Chasing 141 to win, Sri Lanka Women lost the wicket of Vishmi Gunaratne in just the third ball of the innings. But skipper Chamari Athapaththu was determined to take Sri Lanka to the final. SL kept losing wickets but Athapaththu held one end and kept Sri Lanka on the track. She was finally dismissed for a 48-ball-63, which included 9 fours and 1 six.

But Anushka Sanjeewani stayed till the end and hit the winning runs to take her team into the final. Sri Lanka Women will now take on India Women in the final at the same ground on 28 July.