Pakistan closed out their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 group stage in style, beating Hong Kong by 72 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 7 to book a semi-final meeting with Sri Lanka. The result came on the back of a record-breaking six-wicket haul from spinner Nashra Sandhu, who bowled Hong Kong out for just 71.
Final Result at a Glance
- Pakistan Women 143/8 (Shawaal Zulfiqar 47, Ayesha Zafar 26; Joyleen Kaur 4/19)
- Hong Kong Women 71 all out (Kary Chan 30; Nashra Sandhu 6/7)
- Pakistan won by 72 runs
- Pakistan finish second in Group A and advance to the semi-final
How Pakistan Got There
Both teams arrived at this final group game off the back of heavy defeats to India — Pakistan bowled out for 55, Hong Kong beaten by 137 runs. It meant this fixture effectively decided which side would end their tournament with some momentum. Pakistan took the initiative from the toss, batting first on a surface that had turned sluggish throughout the tournament.
Shawaal Zulfiqar’s 35-ball 47 was the difference-maker with the bat, giving Pakistan something to defend even after the middle order lost its way in the closing overs. Fatima Sana (24) and Ayesha Zafar (26) chipped in, but 51 runs from the last 8.4 overs after Zulfiqar’s dismissal showed there was work still to do heading into the field.
The Nashra Sandhu Show
That work barely mattered once Nashra Sandhu got the ball in her hand. Exploiting a pitch that rewarded flighted, patient spin, she dismantled Hong Kong’s batting line-up to finish with figures of 6 for 7 — the best bowling figures by any Pakistan bowler, men’s or women’s, in T20 international history. Hong Kong were bowled out in 19 overs, with Kary Chan’s 30 the only score of note.
What the Result Means
The win lifts Pakistan to second in Group A, confirming their place in the knockout stage alongside India, who topped the group. Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka — Group B winners and the defending Asia Cup champions — in the semi-final, a genuine test of how far this Pakistan side has come since their opening defeats of the tournament.
Head-to-Head: Pakistan vs Hong Kong Women’s Cricket
Pakistan have historically dominated this fixture in women’s T20 cricket, and this result extends that record further, with Hong Kong still searching for a maiden Asia Cup win since returning to the competition after more than a decade away.
Further Reading
- Pakistan Beat Thailand to Set Up Asia Cup India Showdown — Sports News ERA
- More Cricket news 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
What was the final score in Pakistan vs Hong Kong?
Pakistan 143/8 beat Hong Kong 71 all out, a margin of 72 runs.
Who took the most wickets in the match?
Nashra Sandhu, with a record 6 for 7 for Pakistan.
Who is Pakistan’s semi-final opponent?
Sri Lanka, who won Group B of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
When is the semi-final?
The semi-final is scheduled for later this week in the UAE; check official ACC fixtures for the exact date and time.
