Dubai (Web Desk): Pakistan reached in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup semi-finals after a commanding 72-run victory over Hong Kong in a one-sided group-stage contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat and put 143 runs on the board for the loss of eight wickets from their 20 overs.
Shawaal Zulfiqar anchored the innings with a valuable 47, while Ayesha Zafar chipped in with 26 and Fatima Sana struck 24 to give Pakistan a competitive total.
Hong Kong’s bowling unit was led by Julien Cory, who finished with four wickets. Iqra Sahar and Kary Chan also made an impact with the ball, picking up two wickets each.
The chase, however, never gained momentum as Hong Kong’s batting order collapsed under sustained pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers. They were eventually dismissed for 71, leaving Pakistan with a comprehensive 72-run win.
Nashra Sandhu was the standout performer, ripping through the Hong Kong lineup with a sensational six-wicket haul while conceding just seven runs.
Sandhu’s outstanding figures also saw her create a new landmark for Pakistan in Women’s T20 cricket, becoming the country’s leading wicket-taker for a single innings. Her match-winning spell earned her the Player of the Match honour.
Kary Chan offered the strongest resistance for Hong Kong, finishing with 30 runs, but she received little support from the rest of the batting lineup as Pakistan’s bowlers kept control throughout the innings.
Pakistan will next take on Sri Lanka in the semi-final on Friday, September 11.