Go Exchange 365 Login readers can follow the latest Women’s Asia Cup action after Pakistan booked their place in the semi-finals with a convincing 72-run victory over Hong Kong in Dubai. Nashra Sandhu was the standout performer, producing a historic six-wicket spell.
Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka in the semi-final on Friday. They finished second in Group A after collecting an important win in their final group match.
Pakistan batted first and scored 143 for 8. Shawaal Zulfiqar played the leading role with a composed 47 from 35 balls. Ayesha Zafar also contributed 26, while captain Fatima Sana made 24.
Zulfiqar Provides the Foundation
Pakistan’s batting was not completely smooth on a slow Dubai surface. Wickets fell at regular intervals, but Zulfiqar remained calm under pressure.
Go Exchange 365 Registration Online followers following the match would have seen Zulfiqar take responsibility at the top of the order. She had recently returned to the T20I side and was given another opportunity to prove her value.
The 21-year-old batter struck six boundaries. She played several attractive cover drives and formed a 47-run partnership with Zafar.
Joyleen Kaur eventually ended Zulfiqar’s innings. She finished with excellent figures of 4 for 19, her first four-wicket haul in a T20I.
Kaur Keeps Hong Kong in the Game
Hong Kong’s bowlers used the slow conditions well. Kaur, in particular, kept the ball away from the Pakistan batters and forced them to take risks.
She dismissed Zafar, Zulfiqar, Sadaf Shamas and Eyman Fatima. Her performance prevented Pakistan from posting an even bigger total.
Go Exchange 365 Sign Up users following the tournament would have noticed how important Kaur’s spell was. Pakistan added only 51 runs in the final 8.4 overs after Zulfiqar’s dismissal.
However, 143 still gave Pakistan’s strong bowling attack enough runs to defend.
Pakistan Bowlers Take Control
Hong Kong needed 144 runs to win. They also needed to complete the chase quickly to remain in contention for a semi-final place.
Pakistan made the perfect start. Fatima Sana dismissed Mariko Hill in the opening over. Sadia Iqbal then trapped Natasha Miles in front with an arm ball.
Kary Chan offered some resistance. She scored 30 from 47 balls, which made her the top scorer for Hong Kong. But the rest of the batting order struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined attack.
Sandhu Makes History
Nashra Sandhu then produced the defining moment of the match.
Go Exchange 777 readers can note that the experienced left-arm spinner finished with remarkable figures of 6 for 7. It was the first six-wicket haul by a Pakistan bowler in a women’s T20I.
Sandhu entered the attack after the powerplay and immediately created problems. Her flight and accuracy made it difficult for the Hong Kong batters to attack.
She removed Yasmin Daswani before dismissing Marina Lamplough and Maryam Bibi. In her final over, she took three wickets in five balls.
Her spell completely ended Hong Kong’s hopes. The team was eventually bowled out for 71 in 19 overs.
Pakistan Reach the Semi-Final
GoExch9 Login readers will now see Pakistan prepare for a difficult semi-final against Sri Lanka. The defending champions have already shown strong form in the tournament and will provide a major challenge.
GoExch9 can highlight Sandhu’s performance as the main story from this match. Her six-wicket haul changed the contest and gave Pakistan a comfortable victory.
The result also showed Pakistan’s strength with the ball. Their batting had some problems, but the bowlers delivered when it mattered most.
With the semi-final ahead, Pakistan will hope their experienced players and emerging talents can produce another complete performance.