Aichi-Nagoya. The first quarter-final of the Men's cricket competition of the Asian Games 2026 to be played between Pakistan and Hong Kong was canceled due to rain. The field at Nishin's Korogi Sports Park was not in playing condition due to continuous rain. Even the toss could not take place in the match and not a single ball was bowled.
The Pakistan team under the captaincy of Sahibzada Farhan got the direct benefit of the cancellation of the match. Pakistan were given entry into the semi-finals due to their better position in the ICC T20 International rankings, while Hong Kong's journey in the tournament ended in the quarter-finals.
The weather deteriorated even before the toss.
The quarter-final between Pakistan and Hong Kong was scheduled to start at 5:30 am IST on Monday, September 28. The toss was scheduled to take place at 5 am. However, even before the match, the rain intensified at Korogi Sports Park. There was no possibility of the match starting due to continuous rain and wet outfield. After reviewing the situation the officials decided to cancel the match.
Ranking became the basis due to lack of reserve day
There was no provision for reserve day for the quarter-final matches. In such a situation, the rule of sending the team with better T20 International ranking to the next round came into force and Pakistan reached the semi-finals.
Which team Pakistan will face in the semi-finals will be decided after the results of the remaining quarter-final matches. Both the semi-finals of the Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to be played on October 1 at Korogi Sports Park.
Pakistan got direct ticket for quarter finals
Pakistan got direct entry into the quarter-finals of the tournament. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were given direct places in the knockout stage on the basis of better rankings. Hong Kong had entered the quarter-finals on the basis of its performance in the group stage. He stood second in Group-B.
Hong Kong's only win in the group stage came against Oman. Oman finished last in their group. However, Hong Kong did not get a chance to take the field against Pakistan. Due to continuous rain his tournament ended before the match started.
Pakistan squad
Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Saad Masood, Sam Ayub, Sufiyan Muqim and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).