Pakistan Women crushed Hong Kong China Women by 72 runs in the 11th match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai. After choosing to bat first for the third consecutive match, Pakistan posted 143/8 in 20 overs. Shawal Zulfiqar remained the top scorer for Pakistan Women. Ayesha Zafar scored 26 runs off 19 balls, while captain Fatima Sana added a valuable 24 off 24 balls. Joyleen Kaur (4/19 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Hong Kong China Women.

While chasing, Hong Kong China Women struggled badly. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained regular pressure on the batting lineup and bowled them out for 71 in 19 overs. Nashra Sandhu (7/6 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Pakistan Women. With this win, Pakistan Women confirmed their spot in the semifinals. Pakistan Women will now play against Sri Lanka Women on September 11.

Shawaal Zulfiqar Makes Strong Impact

Zulfiqar returned to Pakistan's T20I side in Sri Lanka last month and immediately made an impression. Her performances convinced the team to continue using her at the top of the order, even after experienced batter Gull Feroza returned to the side and moved to No. 3.

She failed to convert her start against India as wickets continued to fall around her. However, Zulfiqar showed greater composure against Hong Kong and played an important innings despite losing experienced partners at regular intervals.

Muneeba Ali scored six from seven balls, while Feroza made only three from four deliveries. Zulfiqar continued to attack despite the pressure.

The pitch was slow and offered some grip, but Zulfiqar adjusted well. She struck six boundaries and produced several excellent cover drives. She also shared a 47-run partnership from 34 balls with Zafar, giving Pakistan a strong platform.

Zafar was dismissed in the 10th over, but Zulfiqar continued to carry the innings. She was eventually dismissed in the 12th over when Joyleen Kaur caught and bowled her. Zulfiqar attempted to hit a flighted delivery outside off but sent the ball straight back to the bowler.

Pakistan were in a strong position while Zulfiqar was at the crease. However, after her dismissal, they added only 51 runs in the remaining 8.4 overs.

Joyleen Kaur Leads Hong Kong's Bowling Attack

The Dubai surface remained slow throughout the Women's Asia Cup, making slower bowling an effective option. Hong Kong's bowlers tried to exploit the conditions, but Joyleen Kaur executed the strategy particularly well.

Kaur repeatedly bowled outside the hitting range of Pakistan's batters. Her approach frustrated the Pakistani batters as they tried to accelerate the scoring.

Her plan produced the important wicket of Zafar, who attempted a hard slash at a tossed-up delivery outside off and offered a straightforward catch at point. Kaur then dismissed Zulfiqar after the Pakistan batter mistimed a powerful shot down the ground. She completed an excellent final over by taking two more wickets.

Sadaf Shamas holed out to long-on, while Eyman Fatima was trapped lbw after failing to connect with a lobbed off-break. Kaur finished with career-best figures of 4 for 19. It was also the first time she had taken four wickets in a T20I.

Pakistan Bowlers Dominate Hong Kong

Hong Kong needed to chase 144 inside 12.3 overs to overtake Pakistan in the race for a semi-final place. However, that target always looked difficult against Pakistan's bowling attack. Pakistan had not always been at their best with the bat or in the field during the tournament. Their bowling, however, had remained one of their strongest areas.

Captain Fatima Sana provided an early breakthrough by bowling Mariko Hill at the end of the first over. Sadia Iqbal then struck early in the second over, trapping Natasha Miles lbw with an arm ball.

Hong Kong struggled to recover after the early wickets. Kary Chan provided some resistance and finished as her team's top scorer. She made 30 from 47 balls, but her slow innings could not prevent Hong Kong from collapsing.

Nashra Sandhu Creates History

Nashra Sandhu produced the standout performance of the match with the ball. The left-arm spinner is known for her accuracy and ability to maintain a disciplined line and length. She was brought into the attack after the powerplay, a stage where Pakistan often turn to her. Sandhu responded with one of the finest bowling performances in Pakistan women's T20I history.

She finished with remarkable figures of 6 for 7. It was the first time a Pakistan bowler had taken six wickets in a women's T20I. Sandhu's variations and control proved too difficult for Hong Kong's batters. Her flighted delivery that turned away caused problems for Yasmin Daswani.

She then bowled Marina Lamplough before having Maryam Bibi caught in the following over. Sandhu completed her historic spell by taking three wickets in five balls during her final over.

The first two wickets came on consecutive deliveries. Each wicket brought an even bigger smile from the left-arm spinner as she completed a memorable performance. Pakistan's dominant victory not only secured second place in Group A but also earned them a semi-final meeting with Sri Lanka.

Brief Scorecard