Nashra Sundhu produces Pakistan’s best-ever Women’s T20I bowling figures as Hong Kong are beaten by 72 runs in Dubai.
Pakistan Women secured their place in the semi-finals of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup with a commanding 72-run victory over Hong Kong, China at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The victory was powered by a sensational spell from left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu, who claimed six wickets for just seven runs to record the best bowling figures by a Pakistan women’s cricketer in T20Is.
Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 143 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Shawaal Zulfiqar provided the backbone of the innings with a fluent 47 from 35 balls, striking seven boundaries during an important contribution. Ayesha Zafar added 26 from 19 deliveries, while captain Fatima Sana remained unbeaten on 24 from 24 balls, including two sixes.
Pakistan’s total was particularly valuable on a surface where stroke-making was not always easy. Hong Kong’s Joyleen Kaur was the standout bowler for her side, finishing with four wickets for 19 runs. However, Pakistan managed to build enough pressure through the middle and final overs to set Hong Kong a challenging target of 144.
The real turning point came when Pakistan began defending their total. Captain Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal made early breakthroughs before Sundhu took complete control of the contest. Her accuracy and ability to attack the stumps repeatedly caused problems for the Hong Kong batters, who struggled to build partnerships.
Sundhu removed several key batters in quick succession before producing a remarkable final spell. She finished with figures of 4-0-7-6, becoming the first Pakistan player to claim six wickets in a Women’s T20I. Her figures also surpassed Omaima Sohail’s previous Pakistan record of five wickets for 13 runs against Sri Lanka in 2022.
Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for just 71 in 19 overs. Kary Chan offered some resistance with 30, but there was little support around her as Pakistan’s bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Sundhu was named Player of the Match for her extraordinary performance.
The victory moved Pakistan into the semi-finals after they finished second in Grou
p A with four points from three matches. Pakistan will now face unbeaten Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on September 11, giving the team another opportunity to challenge for a place in the tournament final.
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