ISLAMABAD: Pakistan women’s cricket team will face Hong Kong in a crucial Group A fixture of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 on Monday, with a victory strengthening their chances of reaching the semi-finals after a disappointing defeat against arch-rivals India.
The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time. Pakistan currently have two points from two matches after defeating Thailand and losing to India by seven wickets.
Pakistan need a strong comeback
Pakistan made a winning start to their campaign with a 35-run victory over Thailand, but their batting collapsed against India on Saturday as they were dismissed for just 55 runs in 18.1 overs. India chased down the modest target in only 8.4 overs, losing three wickets.
The defeat was Pakistan’s first of the tournament and left them needing a strong performance against Hong Kong to secure their place in the knockout stage.
India have already secured a semi-final berth after their commanding performances in Group A. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
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Wahab Riaz calls for better decision-making
Pakistan team mentor Wahab Riaz attributed the batting collapse against India to pressure, poor decision-making and a lack of self-belief.
He stressed that players needed to remain composed and make better decisions in pressure situations, identifying self-belief as another key factor in the defeat.
India’s Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed three wickets each as Pakistan struggled against the Indian spin attack. Captain Fatima Sana provided Pakistan with some consolation by taking all three Indian wickets to fall.
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Pakistan’s road to the semi-finals
The eight-team Women’s Asia Cup is being held in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. Pakistan, India, Thailand and Hong Kong are in Group A, while defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates comprise Group B.
With the semi-final race intensifying, Pakistan will aim to put the heavy defeat against India behind them and produce a convincing performance against Hong Kong.
