~ Pakistan vs Hong Kong quarter-final was to be played today at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, but the match was washed out due to rain.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - Aichi-Nagoya, Japan - 28.09.2026) :: The first quarter-final of the Pakistan vs Hong Kong Asian Games 2026 was scheduled to be played today, Monday, September 28, at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. But rain played such a havoc on this match that Pakistan got a ticket to the semi-finals without playing a single ball. Yes, this happened only because of the rules. This was Pakistan's first match in the Asian Games 2026. Actually, due to better seedings, teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh got a direct ticket to the quarter-finals, while teams like Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Nepal and Malaysia have reached the knockout round after crossing the group stage.
Pakistan got benefit of high ranking
Pakistan vs. Hong Kong Asian Games 2026 quarterfinal match has been abandoned without a ball being bowled. It has been raining continuously since morning, and the outfield is already heavily waterlogged after overnight downpours, so officials have decided there is no realistic hope of the match taking place. Even a 5-over match cannot be played.
With rain continuing and the outfield too wet for play, Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals on the basis of their high ICC T20I rankings, while Hong Kong, China were eliminated without even getting a chance to take the field. It was a disappointing end to their campaign.
In the 2026 Asian Games, a rule is in place that if a match is washed out due to rain, the higher-ranked team will advance to the next round, while the other team will be eliminated. Pakistan currently ranks sixth in the ICC Men's T20I rankings, earning them a spot in the semifinals. Hong Kong, meanwhile, is ranked 24th.
Rain has affected many matches during the Asian Games 2026. As a result, higher-ranked teams are advancing without playing a match.
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