Dubai, September 08 (H.S.): Powered by a sensational six-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu, Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by 72 runs in their ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup Group A encounter on Monday to seal a place in the semi-finals. Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on September 11.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 143 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Shawal Zulfiqar played a crucial knock of 47 off 35 balls, including seven boundaries. Ayesha Zafar scored 26 off 19 balls, while captain Fatima Sana remained unbeaten on 24 off 24 balls. Hong Kong’s Joeyline Kaur was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets.

Chasing 144, Hong Kong struggled against Nashra Sandhu’s crafty spin and were bowled out for 71. Nashra produced a remarkable spell of 4-0-7-6, claiming six wickets for just seven runs in her four overs, and was named Player of the Match.

The performance marked Nashra’s maiden six-wicket haul in T20 international cricket. Her figures of 4-0-7-6 also became the best bowling figures by a Pakistan women’s cricketer in T20 internationals, surpassing Omaima Sohail’s previous record of 5/13, achieved against Sri Lanka in 2022.

Pakistan finished second in Group A with four points from three matches, having recorded two victories.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar