DUBAI: Pakistan booked their place in the semi-finals of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 with a commanding 72-run victory over Hong Kong, China, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Pakistan’s second win of the tournament saw them finish second in Group A behind India and secure a place in the knockout stage. They will now face Group B winners Sri Lanka in the semi-final at the same venue on September 11.
For Hong Kong, the defeat brought their campaign to an end without a win. They finished at the bottom of Group A, while Thailand’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals also ended after they remained third with two points.
Shawaal Leads Pakistan’s Batting
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana elected to bat first, a decision that ultimately paid off as Pakistan posted 143 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Pakistan made a brisk start through Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar, who added 23 runs before Muneeba was dismissed for six in the third over.
The Green Shirts suffered another setback two overs later when Gull Feroza was dismissed for three, leaving Pakistan at 33 for 2.
Shawaal then combined with Ayesha Zafar to steady the innings. The pair produced an important 47-run partnership for the third wicket before both fell in successive overs to Hong Kong’s Joyleen Kaur.
Shawaal emerged as Pakistan’s leading scorer, smashing 47 from 35 deliveries, including six boundaries. Ayesha contributed 26 off 19 balls, hitting four fours.
Kaur continued to trouble Pakistan’s middle order, dismissing Sadaf Shamas for five and Eyman Fatima for one as Pakistan slipped to 101 for 6.
Captain Fatima Sana then provided a late boost, sharing a 26-run partnership with Tuba Hassan. Tuba scored 14 from 13 balls before being dismissed in the 18th over.
Fatima remained unbeaten on 24 from 24 deliveries, helping Pakistan reach a competitive 143 for 8.
Kaur was Hong Kong’s standout bowler, finishing with 4 for 19 from her four overs. Chan and Iqra Sahar claimed two wickets apiece.
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Sandhu Destroys Hong Kong’s Chase
Hong Kong needed 144 runs to win, but Pakistan’s bowling attack quickly put the hosts under pressure.
Nashra Sandhu produced a stunning spell, taking six wickets for just seven runs from her four overs. Her figures proved decisive as Hong Kong’s batting lineup collapsed.
The result was also a landmark individual performance for Sandhu, whose six-wicket haul became the best bowling figures by a Pakistani bowler in the shortest format, according to the match report.
Hong Kong’s Chan offered the most resistance, scoring a determined 30 from 47 balls. She also put together a 31-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Yasmin Daswani, who contributed 13 from 18 deliveries.
Chan’s innings ended when Ayesha Zafar bowled her with the first delivery of the 16th over.
Apart from Chan and Joyleen Kaur, who scored 10, Hong Kong struggled to cope with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack and were eventually bowled out for 71 in 19 overs.
Sandhu received support from Sadia Iqbal, Ayesha Zafar, Umm-e-Hani and captain Fatima Sana, who each claimed one wicket.
Pakistan Set Up Semi-Final Against Sri Lanka
The comprehensive victory ensured Pakistan finished second in Group A and advanced to the semi-finals.
Pakistan will now meet Sri Lanka, the Group B leaders, in the semi-final on September 11 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With Shawaal providing momentum with the bat and Sandhu producing a match-winning spell with the ball, Pakistan will enter the knockout stage with confidence.
The semi-final will offer Pakistan an opportunity to build on their strong group-stage performance and move one step closer to the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 title.
