Pakistan seek solid batting

Captain Fatima Sana says her side must improve strike rotation and build stronger

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana wants her charges to deliver in batting as her brigade is set to face Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final in Dubai on Friday.

Pakistan blasted their way into the pre-final with a 72-run victory over minnows Hong Kong in their final league show of their group on Monday.

Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was the star performer as she pulled off record figures of 6-7 in her quota of four overs to destroy Hong Kong.

This is also the best bowling figures from a Pakistani bowler in T20I cricket.

Despite the emphatic win, Fatima said Pakistan would need to sharpen their batting before facing Sri Lanka in the knockout encounter.

“I think in batting we need more, like strike rotation and good partnerships,” Fatima said.

“And we will try to sit together and discuss these things.”

Fatima said the team would review their shortcomings before the semi-final, with Pakistan determined to address their weaknesses ahead of the major contest.

Sri Lanka enter the match unbeaten, while Pakistan will look to build on Monday’s comprehensive victory as they chase a place in the final.

Hong Kong ended their campaign without a win from three matches, but captain Natasha Miles said the tournament had provided valuable experience against established regional sides. “It’s been super,” Miles said.

“Always playing this standard of cricket is going to test you and it’s going to get you to learn more about your game, about yourselves.”

“It’s been a really fun campaign, exciting, and hopefully we get to come and do this a few more times,” Miles added.