Sundhu's spell powers Pakistan into Asia Cup semi-finals

PAKISTAN v HONG KONG, CHINA SCORECARD

Pakistan sealed their place in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals with a commanding 72-run victory over Hong Kong, China in the final Group A match for both teams. Nashra Sundhu starred with a historic six-wicket haul as Hong Kong were bowled out for 71 in reply to Pakistan’s 143/8.

The result brought an end to Hong Kong’s campaign, while Pakistan progressed to the semi-finals after navigating a tricky surface with an impressive all-round performance.

Pakistan chose to bat and made a positive start despite the challenging conditions. The boundaries flowed during the Powerplay as they reached 50/2 after six overs.

Muneeba Ali was the first to fall when Iqra Sahar deceived her with a slower short ball, while left-arm spinner Kary Chan struck with her first delivery to dismiss Gull Feroza.

Shawaal Zulfiqar and Ayesha Zafar then rebuilt the innings with a 47-run partnership. Zafar struck two consecutive boundaries during her stay, while Zulfiqar looked increasingly assured at the top of the order.

Hong Kong, China, however, hit back through Joyleen Kaur.

Kaur removed Zafar shortly before the halfway stage before returning to dismiss Zulfiqar, Pakistan’s top scorer with 47 from 35 balls. She continued her excellent spell by also accounting for Sadaf Shamas and Eyman Fatima, finishing with impressive figures of 4/19.

Fatima Sana and Tuba Hasan kept the scoreboard moving before Chan removed Hasan in the 18th over. Umm-e-Hani also fell late, but Sana struck a much-needed six as Pakistan added 13 runs in the final over to finish on 143/8.

The total proved more than enough as Pakistan struck early with the ball and never allowed Hong Kong to settle.

Captain Sana provided the breakthrough on the final ball of the opening over before Sadia Iqbal struck in the next, leaving Hong Kong at 1/2.

Yasmin Daswani and Chan attempted to rebuild with a 31-run partnership, but Sundhu made the breakthrough when she held on to a return catch to dismiss Daswani.

Sundhu then took control of the innings.

Nashra Sundhu of Pakistan celebrates the wicket of Shanzeen Shahzad of Hong Kong, China. // ACC

In her next over, she removed Marina Lamplough and Maryam Bibi within four deliveries to leave Hong Kong struggling at 40/5. Her final over was even more remarkable.

Sundhu dismissed Shanzeen Shahzad before removing Alison Siu with the very next delivery to complete her maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is. She added a sixth wicket to finish with 6/7, becoming the first Pakistan player to claim a six-wicket haul in Women’s T20Is.

Chan offered some resistance with 30 from 47 balls, but her dismissal ended Hong Kong, China's final meaningful stand. Umm-e-Hani claimed the final wicket as Hong Kong, China were bowled out for 71 in the 19th over.

Pakistan’s proactive approach with the bat had given them a competitive total on a difficult pitch, before Sundhu’s record-breaking spell ensured there would be no way back for Hong Kong.

With a comprehensive victory in the final Group A action, Pakistan now move on to the semi-finals. They become the third confirmed semi-finalists after India and Sri Lanka. The final spot will be determined by tomorrow’s game between Bangladesh and hosts UAE.