An inexperienced Hong Kong batting line-up went down by eight wickets in a one-sided affair against Pakistan in their opening group phase match in the UNIMONI 2028 Asia Cup in Dubai. The result again highlighted the shortcomings for an Associate member nation when they do get a game or two against Full members, a rare sight in the jam-packed International cricket calendar.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was too strong on the day for Hong Kong batters to negotiate with Usman Shinwari picking up 3/19 and was well supported by Hasan Ali (2/19) and Shadab Khan (2/31), as Hong Kong were bowled out for for a paltry 116 in 37.1 overs.
Pakistan chased down the target in 23.4 overs, with opener Imam-ul-Haq registering a half-century, losing two wickets en-route to victory.
Much depended on how Hong Kong would be able to play against the strong bowling line-up in the match, and their decision to bat first after winning the toss didn’t work in their favour at all. Aizaz Khan (27) and Kinchit Shah (26) saved some blushes with a 6th wicket partnership of 53 runs after half their side were back in the pavilion with the score reading only 44 at one stage.
Ehsan Khan (2/34) showed good skills with the ball, picking up both Pakistan wickets to fall during their chase, picking up the prized scalps of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, but the rest of the bowling line-up lacked teeth and were left with very little to defend and exert some kind of pressure on Pakistan batsmen.
Hong Kong play their final group match against India on 18th Sep 2018 at the same venue and need to win the match to stay alive in the competition.
