OMAN: Hong Kong carried on their dream run in the Asia Cup 2022 qualifiers as they thrashed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by eight wickets to storm into the group stage of the event.
In the last match of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup Qualifier 2022, Hong Kong, who edged past Kuwait and Singapore on their way, carried on their exceptional run as they displayed combined bowling and batting effort to sink UAE by eight wickets.
Following their domination on the points table, the associate team made its way into the group stage of the Asian event and joined Pakistan and India in Group A.
Hong Kong will start their campaign against India on August 31 and will take on Pakistan in the last group match of the event on September 2.
At the toss, Hong Kong captain Nizakat Khan invited UAE to bat first after the coin flipped in his favour.
Batting first, UAE could only manage to pose 147 before being bowled out in the 19th over. Captain Chundangapoyil Rizwan led the way with a gritty knock of 49 runs off 44 balls with the help of four boundaries.
All rounder Zawar Farid, on the other hand, also chipped in as he scored a quick 41 off 27 deliveries, laced with two boundaries and three sixes, while the rest of the batters failed to contribute significantly.
For Hong Kong, Ehsan Khan led the way with four wickets, while Ayush Shukla followed back with three. Aizaz Khan, however, bagged two wickets.
Set to chase 148, Hong Kong comfortably steered over the line in 19 overs, thanks to their top order.
The side were off to a solid start to their run chase as captain Nizakat and Yasim Murtaza laid a solid foundation with an astonishing 85-run partnership.
Nizakat fell 11 short of his well-deserved half-century as he scored a run-a-ball 39, while Yasim stood firm and went on to top score for his side with 58 off 43 deliveries, laced with seven boundaries and a six.
Right-handed batter Babar Hayat also displayed brilliance as he scored an unbeaten 38 off 26 balls and made sure to power his side over the line despite the departure of the openers.
For UAE, only Basil Hameed and Junaid Siddique could manage to bag one wicket apiece.
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