Pakistan Reach Asian Games Cricket Semi-Finals After Rain Washes Out Hong Kong Clash

Pakistan Reach Asian Games Cricket Semi-Finals After Rain Washes Out Hong Kong Clash

Pakistan have advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games after persistent rain forced their quarter-final against Hong Kong to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The match at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin was called off around the scheduled toss after heavy showers left large areas of the ground covered and officials determined that play was not possible.

Under the tournament’s playing conditions, Pakistan progressed because they entered the knockout stage as the higher-seeded side. Hong Kong therefore exited the competition without taking the field in the quarter-final.

Pakistan, led by Sahibzada Farhan and coached by Mike Hesson, will face the winners of the Bangladesh-Malaysia quarter-final in the semi-finals, scheduled for October 1.

Hong Kong had reached the last eight after finishing second in Group B, including an eight-wicket victory over Malaysia before losing to Oman by 41 runs.

Rain also affected the other quarter-final at the venue, with India’s match against Afghanistan abandoned without a ball being bowled. India advanced as the higher-seeded team and will meet the winners of Sri Lanka versus Nepal.

The Asian Games cricket semi-finals are scheduled for October 1, with the bronze-medal match and final set for October 3 as Pakistan continue their campaign for a place on the podium.