Persistent rain in Nisshin ends Pakistan’s quarter-final against Hong Kong without a ball being bowled, sending the Green Shirts into the last four.

Pakistan have secured a place in the semi-finals of the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 after their quarter-final against Hong Kong was abandoned due to persistent rain in Nisshin.

The much-anticipated knockout fixture could not get underway as wet conditions continued to affect the venue. Despite efforts to allow play, the weather prevented the officials from starting the match, leaving both teams without an opportunity to bat or bowl.

Under the tournament’s playing conditions, Pakistan progressed to the semi-final because they hold a higher position in the ICC rankings than Hong Kong. The ranking-based qualification rule came into effect after the quarter-final was washed out without a single delivery being bowled.

The result means Pakistan, led by Sahibzada Farhan, have moved directly into the final four of the Asian Games 2026 cricket competition. The team will now wait for the outcome of the remaining quarter-final between Bangladesh and Malaysia to learn its semi-final opponent.

Bangladesh and Malaysia are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 29, in the fourth quarter-final. The winner of that contest will face Pakistan in the semi-final.

The semi-final stage is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, with both matches set to be played at the same venue in Nisshin. Pakistan will therefore have additional time to prepare for their next knockout assignment while monitoring the result of the Bangladesh-Malaysia clash.

Pakistan’s progress comes without the team taking the field in the quarter-final, as the rain brought the contest to an early conclusion. The abandonment also denied Hong Kong a chance to challenge Pakistan for a place in the semi-finals.

Scores in Brief

Pakistan vs Hong Kong, Nisshin: Match abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.

Pakistan will now focus on the semi-final as they continue their campaign for a medal at the Asian Games 2026 cricket event.