DUBAI: Pakistan women’s cricket captain Fatima Sana has identified batting improvements as a key priority ahead of the team’s high-stakes Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 semi-final against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan secured their place in the last four with a commanding 72-run victory over Hong Kong in their final Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win was powered by a record-breaking six-wicket haul from spinner Nashra Sundhu, who helped dismiss Hong Kong for 71 while Pakistan defended 143.
Pakistan will face unbeaten Sri Lanka on September 11 in the second semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Speaking after the victory, Fatima Sana said Pakistan’s batting needs improvement before the crucial semi-final.
The Pakistan captain specifically highlighted the need for better strike rotation and partnerships, areas she believes the team must address against a strong Sri Lankan side.
“We need more, like strike rotation in the batting, and we need more partnerships,” Fatima said, according to the ICC.
Pakistan posted 143 for eight against Hong Kong, with Shawaal Zulfiqar leading the scoring with 47 from 35 balls. Ayesha Zafar contributed 26, while Fatima remained unbeaten on 24.
Although the total proved more than enough, the Pakistan captain believes the batting unit must produce more consistent performances as the competition reaches the knockout stage.
Pakistan’s victory was dominated by an outstanding bowling performance from Nashra Sundhu.
The left-arm spinner claimed 6 wickets for just 7 runs, registering the best T20I bowling figures by a Pakistan women’s cricketer. Her spell surpassed Omaima Sohail’s previous Pakistan record of 5 for 13 against Sri Lanka in 2022.
Sundhu’s six-wicket haul reduced Hong Kong to 71 in 19 overs and earned her the Player of the Match award.
Her performance also ensured Pakistan successfully defended a total of 143 despite Hong Kong initially showing resistance with the bat.
The focus now shifts to Sri Lanka, who await Pakistan in the second semi-final.
Sri Lanka have remained unbeaten in the tournament, making the upcoming knockout encounter a major test for Fatima Sana’s team.
Pakistan’s management is expected to assess the team’s batting performance and address weaknesses before the semi-final.
The challenge will be particularly significant because Pakistan cannot afford another extended batting collapse against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack.
While Fatima has called for batting improvements, Pakistan’s bowling remains one of the team’s biggest strengths.
The six-wicket performance from Nashra Sundhu provided another reminder of the quality available in Pakistan’s bowling attack. Fatima herself also contributed with the ball against Hong Kong, taking one wicket for seven runs in three overs.
With the semi-final now confirmed, Pakistan will look to combine their strong bowling resources with a more reliable batting performance.
For Fatima Sana, the task is clear: Pakistan must improve their strike rotation, build stronger partnerships and provide their bowlers with a more competitive platform against Sri Lanka.
The semi-final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled for September 11 in Dubai, with a place in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final at stake.
