Pakistan began their Asia Cup 2018 campaign grandly as they beat minnow Hong Kong by eight wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on September 16 (Sunday).
Meanwhile, Hong Kong got the worst possible start after their skipper Anshuman Rath opted to bat first. Pakistan, known for producing outstanding fast-bowlers seemed too heavy on the debutants.
Although they started their innings on a high, smashing Mohammad Amir in the first over, Pakistan soon took hold of the proceedings. However, Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali struck back to halt the run flow. Since then, it was one-way traffic as Hasan Ali single-handedly reduced Hong Kong to 44 for five in 16.3 overs.
Kinchit Shah and Aizaz Khan tried to rebuild the innings as they took the cautious approach. They added 53 runs for the sixth wicket as Hong Kong looked in line to cross the 100-run mark. But since Usman Khan cleaned the stumps of Aizaz (27), they had no hopes left. Usman cleaned the tail as Hong Kong managed to post only 116 runs at the halfway mark in their first ever Asia Cup match.
For Pakistan, the chase looked like a cakewalk with the star names in their line-up. However, much to everybody’s surprise they took a safety approach to give their batsmen some good batting practice ahead of the game against India.
Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman added 41 runs for the first wicket before Zaman (24) departed.
While Zaman was the aggressor of the two, Imam took his time to settle down. The talented Babar Azam then joined Imam-ul Haq. The duo looked in control, however, Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan kept posing questions to Pakistani batters. He soon removed Babar Azam (33) while some chances went begging due to some poor decisions.
However, the Green Caps saw it through without any further damage Imam remaining unbeaten on 50 runs.
Pakistan will now square off against arch-rivals India on September 19.