In a crucial Asia Cup encounter here on Friday, Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by a record 155 runs to set up a second meeting with archrivals India in as many weeks.
In order for Pakistan to achieve 193 for two against Hong Kong, Mohammad Rizwan had to work hard for his 78 off 57 balls. When it came to the run-chase, the Pakistani attack proved to be simply too strong for Hong Kong, who were completely destroyed. In 10.4 overs, their innings was over for just 38 runs, placing Pakistan as the second-place team from Group A and qualifying them for the Super 4.
In the shortest format, it was Pakistan’s biggest victory.
India, who won Group A, will face Pakistan on Sunday.
With the bat, Hong Kong had displayed some promise against India, but they just gave in to the Pakistani attack.
After Naseem Shah struck twice in the third over of the innings, there was a parade. The damage was then done by the spinners, Shadab Khan (4/8) and Mohammad Nawaz (3/5), who shared seven wickets between them.
Before ending Hong Kong’s innings by dismissing Mohammad Ghaznafar with a straighter pitch to conclude the opponent’s innings, Shadab’s googlies were far too good for the opposition batters.
