In a crucial Asia Cup game on Friday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by a record margin of 155 runs to secure a second meeting with archrivals India in as many weeks.
Mohammad Rizwan’s dazzling innings of 78 not out off 57 balls, Fakhar Zaman’s 53 off 41 balls, and Khushdil Shah’s 35 not out off 15 balls helped Pakistan secure the final spot in the Super 4 stage as their bowlers skittled out Hong Kong for a record-low 38. It was Pakistan’s biggest victory.
India, who tops Group A, will face Pakistan on Sunday.
Man of the Match Rizwan told reporters that “everyone can witness our performance and effort.” “Boys are giving it their all, collaborating properly, and meeting the needs of the country.” “God will decide the outcome.”
“Another future star of fast bowling is Naseem Shah, it seems. Shaheen Shah Afridi (out with a knee injury) cannot be replaced, but Naseem is developing nicely, “Rizwan added.
Hong Kong, which qualified for the main draw by winning all three of its games in the qualifications, was unable to bounce back. Nizakat, the captain of Hong Kong, promised to emulate the professionalism displayed by both Pakistan and India on their return from the Asia Cup Group A days.
With a consistent line and length, Hong Kong’s bowlers held Pakistan’s openers in check. In the third over, spinner Ehsan Khan also claimed the crucial wicket of skipper Babar for nine runs.
After scoring 10 against India in his team’s opener defeat, Azam’s second failure in the competition, Rizwan stated the top batsman still qualifies as a “superstar” and a prolific run-scorer.
