Tigresses endure first medal-less Asian Games campaign after defeat to Pakistan

Bangladesh women's cricket team will return home from Japan without a medal after suffering a 31-run defeat to Pakistan in the bronze medal match of the ongoing Asian Games 2026 on Tuesday.

Chasing 146, Bangladesh were reduced to 20-3 after losing three early wickets at Korogi Sports Park. Nigar Sultana Joty, playing her final match as captain, and Sharmin Akhter then steadied the innings with a 47-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

However, Bangladesh's slow scoring rate put them under increasing pressure, with the required run rate climbing to nearly 11 runs per over.

Joty was eventually dismissed for 25 off 30 balls, while the lower-order batters failed to make a significant contribution. Bangladesh finished on 114-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Sharmin remained unbeaten on 45 off 46 balls, while Nahida Akter made an unbeaten 10 off six deliveries. Pakistan off-spinner Umm-e-Hani took three wickets.

The defeat means Bangladesh's women's cricket team will finish an Asian Games campaign without a medal for the first time.

The Tigresses had previously competed in three editions of the Asian Games, winning two silver medals and one bronze. They made their debut in Guangzhou in 2010 and claimed silver before repeating the achievement in Incheon in 2014. In Hangzhou in 2023, Bangladesh secured bronze after defeating Pakistan.

Earlier, Pakistan made a steady start after opting to bat first, with their openers putting together 46 runs. Bangladesh's bowlers then fought back, reducing Pakistan to 67-5.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana played a crucial innings, smashing 45 off 30 balls and sharing a 67-run partnership with Aliya Riaz, who scored 25 off 22 balls. Pakistan eventually posted 145-8.

Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni claimed two wickets each for Bangladesh.

India will face Sri Lanka in the gold medal match later on Tuesday.