Without a ball bowled, Pakistan advance to Asian Games 2026 semifinals

Pakistan secured a spot in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket semifinals after rain forced their quarterfinal match against Hong Kong to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. The match at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, was called off without a toss due to the unplayable outfield caused by persistent rain. The tournament rules stipulate that the team with the higher ICC T20I ranking advances in such cases.

Pakistan had already qualified for the quarterfinals along with India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh based on their rankings. Hong Kong, however, secured their place in the last eight by finishing second in Group B, having no chance to play against Pakistan as no result was possible. The 6th ranked Pakistan team was thus awarded a semifinal spot, bringing an end to Hong Kong's campaign.

Pakistan will play the winner of Tuesday's quarterfinal between Sri Lanka and Nepal on October 1. The other semifinal features India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, with India, the defending champions, facing Afghanistan. Pakistan and India are on opposite sides of the knockout draw, ensuring they won't meet in the semifinals but could face each other in the gold or bronze medal matches.

Captain Sahibzada Farhan aims to win Pakistan's first men's cricket Asian Games gold medal with this achievement.