Nashra Sandhu delivered a record-breaking performance to propel Pakistan into the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semifinals, claiming a historic six-wicket haul against Hong Kong, China. The left-arm spinner’s figures of 6-7 represent the best-ever bowling analysis by a Pakistan woman in T20 Internationals, marking her maiden five-wicket haul in the format. She is only the third bowler from her country to achieve a five-for in Women’s T20Is, joining Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail.
Chasing a target of 144, Hong Kong, China struggled early, reaching 28/2 by the end of the Powerplay. Sandhu entered the attack immediately afterward, dismantling the middle order by removing Yasmin Daswani and Kary Chan before dismissing Marina Lamplough and Maryam Bibi in quick succession. By the time she finished her spell, the opposition had collapsed to 40/5. Sandhu’s tactical mix of flight and pace continued to trouble the batters, culminating in her sixth wicket on the final ball of her spell. Kary Chan offered the only notable resistance with 30 runs before being bowled by Ayesha Zafar, and the innings eventually folded for 71 all out in 19 overs.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 143/8 in their 20 overs, a total that proved insurmountable for their opponents. Opener Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scored with 47 off 35 balls, while Ayesha Zafar contributed 26. Hong Kong, China’s Joyleen Kaur was the standout bowler, finishing with 4-19, while Iqra Sahar chipped in with 2-27. Despite a mid-innings wobble that saw Pakistan slip from 92/2 to 101/6, the team maintained enough composure to set a challenging target.
With this 72-run victory, Pakistan has officially qualified for the next stage of the tournament. They are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final match on September 11. Brief scores: Pakistan 143/8 (Shawaal Zulfiqar 47, Ayesha Zafar 26; Joyleen Kaur 4-19, Iqra Sahar 2-27) defeated Hong Kong, China 71 all out (Kary Chan 30, Yasmin Daswani 13; Nashra Sandhu 6-7, Fatima Sana 1-7) by 72 runs. The report also notes that wrecking Hong Kong, China’s chase in their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 fixture and securing a semi-final spot, nashra Sandhu became the first Pakistan bowler to claim six wickets in a Women’s T20I. The report also notes that kicking out any chance of a miraculous comeback, that reduced them to 40/5. The report also notes that while Natasha Miles was bagged by Sadia Iqbal off her very first ball, both openers were dismissed one after another: Mariko Hill departed for her third duck in a row. The report also notes that sandhu was on a hat-trick after taking out Shanzeen Shahzad and Alison Sui with plenty of flight. The report also notes that reaching 30 when Ayesha Zafar cleaned her up in the 16th over, chan soldiered on.
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