New-look Pakistan take on inconsistent Hong Kong for semi-final spot

Rain could have a major say, which means Pakistan will advance as the higher-ranked side if the match is washed out

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Pakistan arrive in the quarter-finals as strong favourites, but this is a new-look side under a new captain. Sahibzada Farhan takes charge for the first time, with Pakistan's squad combining players from the senior side and Pakistan Shaheens, including four uncapped players. But Farhan has shrugged off the lack of experience and backed his squad to step up.

Pakistan and Hong Kong have met twice in this format, in the 2022 Asia Cup and 2023 Asian Games, with Pakistan winning both.

Hong Kong, meanwhile, have been inconsistent this year and will need one of their better performances to challenge Pakistan. Hong Kong reached the quarter-finals after winning one of their two group games but have won only five of 10 matches in 2026, which shows their inconsistency. They posted 287 for 1 against Oman at the Asian Games Qualifier in June and went on to win, but were then restricted to for 81 for 9 against Malaysia in the Asian Games and suffered a heavy defeat.RelatedCaptain Farhan not worried about inexperience of Pakistan's Asian Games squad

Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat and Nizakat Khan are expected to do the heavy lifting with the bat, while 41-year-old offspinner Ehsan Khan remains key with the ball. He is also Hong Kong's leading wicket-taker in 2026, with 23 wickets in 15 innings.

Rain could have a major say, with showers forecast throughout the day. If the match is washed out, Pakistan will advance as the higher-ranked side.

Form guide

Pakistan WLWLW (last five completed games, most recent first)

Hong Kong WLWWL

In the spotlight: Moqim

Sufyan Moqim, who last played for Pakistan in September 2025, has returned to the side on the back of excellent form. The left-arm spinner finished as PSL's leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets from 11 matches before taking four wickets in CPL Qualifier 1 and another four in the final, where he was named the Player of the Match. He made his T20I debut against Hong Kong at the 2023 Asian Games and now returns to the tournament with significantly more experience and momentum.Anshy Rath will be key for Hong Kong with the bat•Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images

Anshy Rath comes into the match after three single-digit scores, but Hong Kong will want their opener to find his rhythm quickly against Pakistan. He is the leading run-getter in 2026, having scored 488 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 160.52, including an unbeaten 140 against Oman and three half-centuries. Hong Kong's top order will need him to convert his starts into a substantial score if they are to put Pakistan under pressure.

Team news

With Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Saim Ayub at the top, there will be competition among Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, and Abdul Samad for No.5-6 spots. With the pitch expected to help spinners, Pakistan will look to stock their bowling department with different options, each adding a point of difference - Arafat Minhas with his left-arm orthodox spin and batting depth, Abrar Ahmed with his mystery, and Sufyan Moqim with his left-arm wristspin.

Pakistan (possible): 1 Sahibzada Farhan (capt), 2 Maaz Sadaqat, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Usman Khan (wk), 5 Haider Ali/Hasan Nawaz, 6 Abdul Samad, 7 Arafat Minhas, 8 Abrar Ahmed, 9 Ali Raza, 10 Mohammad Wasim Jnr, 11 Sufyan Moqim

Hong Kong are likely to go with the same combination that beat Oman, with seamer Ayush Shukla retaining his place in the XI after missing the first game.

Hong Kong (possible): 1 Anshy Rath, 2 Nizakat Khan, 3 Babar Hayat, 4 Hafeez Khan, 5 Shiv Mathur, 6 Shahid Wasif (wk), 7 Yasim Murtaza (Capt), 8 Nasrulla Rana, 9 Ehsan Khan, 10 Ayush Shukla, 11 Mohammad Ghazanfar

Pitch and conditions

Rain could have a significant say in the quarter-final. Run-scoring has also not been particularly easy at the venue. Expect a wet outfield or interruptions that could further complicate things. In case of a washout, Pakistan will advance to the semi-finals.

Stats and Trivia

Pakistan and Hong Kong have met twice in this format, with Pakistan winning both matches

Both Anshy Rath and Sahibzada Farhan have scored two T20I centuries each