Spinner Nashra Sandhu was the star as Pakistan booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup with a commanding 72-run win over Hong Kong in their final Group A match in Dubai.
Pakistan were 159-5, with Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scoring with a calm 47. Hong Kong struggled in reply and were bowled out for 87 to hand Pakistan a comfortable win and a place in the last four.
Sandhu picked up 6-7 to become the first Pakistani bowler to take six wickets in a Women’s T20 International. Her spell pierced through Hong Kong’s batting, helping Pakistan to end their group campaign with a vital win.
Pakistan’s qualification came despite a heavy seven-wicket defeat by India earlier in the tournament when they were bowled out for just 55 – their lowest T20I total.
Pakistan will play unbeaten Sri Lanka in the second semi-final in Dubai on Sept. 11. The other semi-final will be played between India and the other qualified side.
