Pakistan advanced to the men’s cricket semi-finals at the Asian Games 2026 on Monday after persistent rain washed out their quarter-final against Hong Kong without a toss at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
The abandonment meant Pakistan progressed to the next stage by virtue of their higher ranking, while Hong Kong’s campaign at the Asian Games came to an end.
Rain denies both teams a game
The first quarter-final was abandoned without a single ball being bowled after continuous rain left the playing conditions unsuitable for cricket.
Pakistan had entered the knockout stage directly alongside India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as the four highest-ranked Asian teams.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, qualified for the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group B. They collected two points from their group matches, while Malaysia topped the group with three points.
Hong Kong’s final group fixture against Oman was also abandoned without a ball being bowled.
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Pakistan’s preparations for the tournament had also been affected by rain. The team arrived in Japan following a four-day training camp in Karachi, where players worked on conditions expected at the Asian Games and practised different match scenarios.
Their training session in Nisshin on Sunday was disrupted by overnight rain and a wet outfield.
No play possible in the quarter-final due to relentless rain 🌧️
Pakistan will now play the #AsianGames semi-final on Thursday 🏏#PakistanCricket | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/LDKYgMggWW
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 28, 2026
Pakistan set sights on semi-final
Pakistan are captained by Sahibzada Farhan, who leads a 15-member squad featuring several players with T20 international experience.
The squad includes Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Haider Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jr, while Mike Hesson is serving as head coach.
With the quarter-final abandoned, Pakistan will now prepare for their semi-final, which is scheduled for October 1 at the same venue.
The bronze-medal match and the final are scheduled to take place on October 3.
Pakistan squad for Asian Games
Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).
