Pakistan bowlers demolished Hong Kong batting line-up and bundled out the side for 38 to hand their side a massive 155-run victory to qualify for the Super Fours in the Asia Cup 2022.
Fakhar Zaman’s and Mohammad Rizwan’s half-centuries, and Khushdil Shah’s 35-run knock helps Pakistan post 193 runs against Hong Kong here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium Karachi.
Hong Kong won the toss and opted to ball first, which the Pakistani batters took advantage of and posted 193 runs on the scoreboard.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was sent back to the pavilion after scoring only 9 runs in 8 balls.
Rizwan, who completed his 5000 runs in T20 cricket, smashed 78 runs in 57 balls, while Fakhar 53 runs in 41 balls to lead their side to 193.
Meanwhile, Khushdil scored a blistering 35 runs in 15 balls to help his side set a big target, smashing four maximums off the last over.
“We had simple plans: just bowl wicket to wicket as per the pitch. We wanted to bowl on a good length since the ball was keeping low. We wanted to score 170-plus initially. The good start from the fast bowlers we just need to keep it simple,” Mohammad Nawaz.
Pakistan 193 for 2 (Rizwan 78*, Fakhar 53*, Khushdil 35*, Ehsan 2-28) beat Hong Kong 38 (Shadab 4-8, Nawaz 3-5) by 155 runs
Babar Azam: We would have batted first. We wanted to put runs on the board and put them under pressure. We have the same team. Every match is a new match, so we’ll try to play our best cricket. Our confidence is the same. It was a tight game (against India), looking forward to this game.
Nizakat Khan: We are gonna bowl again. We are very good at chasing. We are going to make sure today that we stick to our plans and execute them. Back in Hong Kong, we play on slow, low wickets. This is very similar and we also rely on spin. We bowled well till the 13th over. Today, we have a very good plan and I am sure that the boys will do well. We are going with the same team.
Mohammad Rizwan P.O.M: Most important for us to adjust to the conditions even if it is T20 cricket. The ball was keeping low. We tried hitting, but it wasn’t coming off. Then we charged down, keeping in mind the ball was staying low. I believe in hard work… Being a senior player, you have to take responsibility. You have to play according to the team, and there will be pressure. I request everyone to help the people of Pakistan, who are in trouble [due to the floods]”
