Pakistan Women advanced to the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup with a decisive 72-run victory against Hong Kong Women on Monday, thanks to an outstanding performance from left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu. This match took place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and was crucial for both teams in the Group A standings.
In the match, Hong Kong was set a target of 144 runs to chase after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. However, they struggled significantly against Pakistan's bowling attack, ultimately getting bowled out for just 71 runs in 19 overs. Sandhu's remarkable bowling figures of 6 wickets for just 7 runs from her four overs not only led her team to victory but also set a new record for the best bowling performance by a Pakistani bowler in women’s T20 international cricket.
Pakistan’s batting innings was anchored by Shawaal Zulfiqar, who scored a solid 47 runs off 35 balls, hitting six boundaries. Ayesha Zafar contributed 26 runs from 19 deliveries, while captain Fatima Sana played a crucial role towards the end, adding an unbeaten 24 runs from 24 balls, which included two sixes. Their combined efforts helped Pakistan post a total of 143 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Hong Kong’s Joyleen Kaur was the standout bowler for her team, claiming 4 wickets for 19 runs in her four overs. Despite her efforts, the target proved to be insurmountable for Hong Kong, who began their chase poorly. Fatima Sana struck early, dismissing Mariko Hill for a duck, while Sadia Iqbal quickly followed up by sending captain Natasha Miles back to the pavilion for just one run, leaving Hong Kong reeling at 1-2 within the second over.
Kary Chan provided some resistance with a patient 30 runs off 47 balls, but once she was dismissed by Ayesha Zafar in the 16th over, the Hong Kong innings fell apart. Nashra Sandhu took control of the match, claiming the wickets of Yasmin Daswani, Marina Lamplough, Maryam Bibi, Shanzeen Shahzad, Alison Siu, and Iqra Sahar, effectively dismantling the lower order. Her exceptional performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
Ultimately, Hong Kong was bowled out for 71 runs, with only Chan managing to score more than 20 runs. Pakistan's bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings, allowing just four extras and limiting the run rate to a mere 3.73. With this victory, Pakistan secured their place in the knockout stage of the tournament, finishing second in Group A behind India, who topped the group with three wins.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the semi-finals on Friday, with both teams eager to secure a place in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup. The tournament has showcased competitive cricket, and this victory for Pakistan highlights their potential as they aim for the championship title.
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