The third semi-finalist team for the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 has been confirmed. Pakistan needed a win against Hong Kong at all costs on Monday and secured a one-sided victory. Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by 72 runs to book their spot in the final four. They became the second team from Group A, after India, to reach the semi-finals.
Hong Kong team was bowled out for 71 runs
Chasing a target of 144 runs, the entire Hong Kong team was bowled out for 71 runs in just 19 overs. Kary Chan was the top scorer for Hong Kong with an innings of 30 runs. The poor batting performance of the Hong Kong side is evident from the fact that eight of their players failed to reach double figures; furthermore, four batters failed to open their accounts. For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu claimed the highest number of wickets, taking six.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat first. Batting first, Pakistan scored 143 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Shawaal Zulfiqar was the top scorer for Pakistan with 47 runs. Apart from Zulfiqar, captain Fatima Sana scored 24 runs, and Ayesha Zafar scored 26. For Hong Kong, Joyleen Kaur took the most wickets, claiming four. In addition to Joyleen Kaur, Kary Chan and Iqra Sahar took two wickets each.
Semi-final clash against Sri Lanka
With this victory, Pakistan cemented their place in the Asia Cup semi-finals. India and Pakistan qualified from Group A, with Pakistan finishing second in the group with four points. Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on Friday, September 11. The first semi-final will be played between India and the fourth semi-finalist team. The identity of the fourth semi-finalist will be determined following the match between Bangladesh and the UAE.
Brief scores: Pakistan 143/8 in 20 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 47, Ayesha Zafar 26; Joyleen Kaur 4-19, Iqra Sahar 2-27) beat Hong Kong 71/10 in 19 overs (Kary Chan 30, Yasmin Daswani 13; Nashra Sandhu 6-7, Fatima Sana 1-7) by 72 runs.
