Pakistan's do-or-die match against Hong Kong today
Friday, 2 September 2022
Pakistan will face Hong Kong in the 6th Match of Asia Cup 2022 in a Group A match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah today (Friday), report agencies.
Having opened their Asia Cup 2022 campaign with a defeat against India in Dubai, Pakistan now face in a must-win match with qualification for the Super 4 stage at stake.
While the match is important for Pakistan to keep their hope alive with a win, this match is no less for Hong Kong as they would try to leave a mark with a win as well in Asia Cup 2022.
Pakistan and Hong Kong have played three ODI against each other overall with Pakistan winning all three games. Two of those matches were played in the Asia Cup which Pakistan have won. Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by 8 wickets in Asia Cup 2018 game.
Pakistan crashed to a five-wicket defeat against India at the Dubai International Stadium. They were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya taking four-wicket and three-wicket hauls respectively. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with a knock of 43 runs off 42 balls.
Chasing a target of 148 runs, India reached 148 for five in 19.4 overs with Pandya smashing the match-winning six. The all-rounder played an unbeaten knock of 33 runs off 17 balls.
On the other hand, Hong Kong lost to top-ranked India by 40 runs on Wednesday, but only after a fight in their chase of 193.
For a team that hardly gets to play against the top echelons of world cricket, Hong Kong players gave a good account of themselves when they faced off mighty India in the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai. Hong Kong, in the end, ended up losing the tie but they made the mighty Indians work hard for it.
Pakistan pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf are back on the field after taking a few days of rest to heal from the cramps they suffered during their side's crucial match against India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.
It was being suggested to make changes to the Pakistan squad and replace the two bowlers with Muhammad Hasnain and Hassan Ali in the next fixture against Hong Kong, in light of their fitness issues.
However, the duo was declared fit and ready to play against Hong Kong after being given rest.