Dubai, Sep 2026 : Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu produced a sensational bowling performance, claiming her maiden six-wicket haul in T20 internationals, as Pakistan Women defeated Hong Kong Women by 72 runs in their Group A clash of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
The emphatic victory secured Pakistan’s place in the semifinals of the eight-team tournament. Pakistan, who finished second in Group A, will face Sri Lanka in the second semifinal on September 11.
Defending a competitive total of 143 for eight, Pakistan found an unlikely hero in the 28-year-old Sandhu, who completely dismantled Hong Kong’s batting line-up. She repeatedly broke partnerships and prevented the opposition from building any meaningful momentum as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for just 71 in 19 overs, handing Pakistan a comfortable 72-run victory with six balls remaining. Sandhu finished with remarkable figures of four overs, one maiden, seven runs and six wickets. Her spell also set a new record for the best bowling figures by a Pakistan women’s cricketer in T20Is.
Sandhu surpassed the previous record held by Omaima Sohail, who had claimed five wickets for 13 runs against Sri Lanka in Sylhet, Bangladesh, in 2022. Her outstanding effort earned her the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first and posted 143 for eight from their allotted 20 overs. Shawaal Zulfiqar provided the innings with much-needed impetus, scoring a brisk 47 off 35 balls, including seven boundaries.
Ayesha Zafar contributed a useful 26 from 19 deliveries, striking four fours, while captain Fatima Sana remained unbeaten on 24 off 24 balls, hitting two sixes to help Pakistan reach a defendable total.
Hong Kong’s Joyleen Kaur was their standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 19 runs, while Iqra Sahar and Kary Chan picked up two wickets each.
In reply, Hong Kong struggled from the outset against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Kary Chan top-scored with 30, but lacked support as Sandhu ran through the middle and lower order.
Pakistan had earlier defeated Thailand in their opening match before suffering a loss against arch-rivals India on Sunday. Their victory over Hong Kong gave them four points from three Group A matches and confirmed their semifinal qualification.
Brief scores: Pakistan 143/8 in 20 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 47, Ayesha Zafar 26, Fatima Sana 24 not out; Joyleen Kaur 4/19) beat Hong Kong 71 all out in 19 overs (Kary Chan 30; Nashra Sandhu 6/7) by 72 runs.
