Pakistan booked their place in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals after spinner Nashra Sandhu’s triggered a 72-run drubbing of Hong Kong, China at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday night.
Nashra took six wickets as Pakistan defended 143 runs — that included a stand-out contribution by Shawaal Zulfiqaar — to set their last-four date against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana, for the third match in a row, chose to bat first, looking to undo the damage of Pakistan’s hefty seven-wicket loss against India at the same venue on Saturday, where they were bowled out for their lowest ever T20 international score.
The teams were unchanged from their previous matches, both of which came against India.
Pakistan once again got off to a steady start with the bat, with openers Muneeba Ali and Shawaal easing their way to a 24-run opening partnership in three overs until Muneeba, who was too early on a shot, was bowled by Iqra Sahar.
