Asia Cup 2022: Pakistan demolish Hong Kong by 155 runs at Sharjah

Pakistan's Shahnawaz Dahani, second right, celebrates after taking the wicket of Hong Kong's Yasim Murtaza during the T20 cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Hong Kong, in Sharjah, UAE, on September 2, 2022. (AP)

• Pakistan's spin duo Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan trigger Hong Kong collapse
• Chasing 194 runs, Hong Kong were bowled out for 38 runs

ISLAMABAD: Undeterred by their opening match loss to arch-rivals India, Pakistan destroyed Hong Kong on Friday, thumping the minnows by 155 runs during their Asia Cup 2022 clash at Sharjah. 

Pakistani bowlers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz took three wickets each as Shadab Khan took four to make short work of Hong Kong. After the victory, Pakistan are through to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup.

 

A procession of wickets in Sharjah @mnawaz94 and @76Shadabkhan have picked up wickets between them as Hong Kong are 38-8 after 10 overs #AsiaCup2022 | #PAKvHK pic.twitter.com/PrR1G09LnW

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 2, 2022

 

Earlier in the day, Hong Kong had won the toss and put Pakistan to bat first. Half-centuries by upper order batters Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman helped Pakistan hand their opponents an impressive 194-run target.

Hong Kong were off to an incredible start, dismissing Pakistani skipper Babar Azam for 9 runs. However, a 100-run partnership between Rizwan and Zaman helped the green shirts regain the momentum and subsequently, control of the match.

 

partnership between @FakharZamanLive and @iMRizwanPak #AsiaCup2022 | #PAKvHK pic.twitter.com/m2OmuHvkVO

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 2, 2022

 

Shah scored 35 off 15, which included four massive sixes in the last over. 

Nizakat Khan with 8 runs on the scoreboard was Hong Kong's top-scorer of the match.