Pakistan sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with a commanding 72-run win over Hong Kong in their final Group A fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday, September 7. Pakistan posted 143 for 8 batting first before bowling Hong Kong out for just 71, with left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu producing a record-breaking spell of 6 for 7.
Match Summary
- Result: Pakistan won by 72 runs
- Pakistan Women: 143/8 (20 overs)
- Hong Kong Women: 71 all out (19 overs)
- Player of the Match: Nashra Sandhu (6/7)
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Competition: Women’s Asia Cup 2026, Group A
With this win, Pakistan finished second in Group A and will now face defending champions Sri Lanka in the semi-final later this week.
How the Match Unfolded
Pakistan Women Batting
Captain Fatima Sana chose to bat first for the third time in as many matches at a Dubai surface that has played slow throughout the tournament. Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scored with a brisk 47 off 35 balls before being cleverly dismissed, caught and bowled by Joyleen Kaur in the 12th over. Ayesha Zafar (26 off 19) and Fatima Sana (24 off 24) added useful contributions, but Pakistan lost momentum after Zulfiqar’s dismissal, managing only 51 runs in the final 8.4 overs as Joyleen Kaur finished with a career-best 4 for 19.
Hong Kong Women Bowled Out for 71
Chasing 144, Hong Kong never got going. Nashra Sandhu ran through the middle order with a career-defining spell, becoming the first Pakistan bowler — male or female — to take a six-wicket haul in women’s T20 internationals. Kary Chan’s 30 was the only meaningful resistance as Hong Kong were bowled out in 19 overs, unable to build any partnerships against Pakistan’s disciplined spin attack on a turning Dubai pitch.
Key Performers
Nashra Sandhu (6/7): A historic spell that will be remembered as one of the finest bowling performances in Pakistan women’s cricket history.
Shawaal Zulfiqar (47 off 35): The innings that gave Pakistan a competitive total after a slow start.
Group A Final Standings
| Team | Matches | Points | Net Run Rate | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 3 | 2 | -2.050 | Eliminated |
| Pakistan | 3 | 4 | Improved | Qualified for semi-final |
| Hong Kong | 3 | 0 | -3.575 | Eliminated |
| India | 3 | 6 | Best in group | Qualified for semi-final |
(Standings reflect final placings after all Group A fixtures concluded.)
What’s Next
Pakistan will play Sri Lanka, who topped Group B, in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-final. It sets up a tough test for Fatima Sana’s side against a team that has dominated the tournament since its earlier group-stage matches.
Further Reading
- Pakistan Beat Thailand to Set Up Asia Cup India Showdown — Sports News ERA
- More Live Scores and Cricket coverage on Sports News ERA
- India vs Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Dubai Clash Preview — Sports Dastak
- Browse more Other Sports stories on Sports Dastak
- Cricket 101: Formats, Rules and Why It Captivates a Billion Fans — Sports Tamasha
- Full Cricket section on Sports Tamasha
FAQs
Who won the Pakistan vs Hong Kong match today?
Pakistan won by 72 runs, bowling Hong Kong out for 71 after posting 143/8.
Who was the standout player?
Nashra Sandhu, who took 6 wickets for just 7 runs — the best-ever bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler in women’s T20Is.
Who does Pakistan play next?
Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-final.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE.
