Asia Cup 2018: Hong Kong Crush UAE in Qualifiers Final, Sets Date With Pakistan

Hong Kong creates history in Malaysia by beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the final of the Asia Cup 2018 qualifiers. They thrashed UAE by two wickets to register their spot next to India and Pakistan in the upcoming grand event.

The splendid bowling performance by Aizaz Khan and the collective batting effort helped Hong Kong clinch the thriller at Kaula Lumpur. They join India and Pakistan in the Group A of the Asia Cup 2018.

Initially, it was Anushman Rath, who won the toss and asked UAE to bat first in a rain-curtailed 24-over game. Ashfaq Ahmed briskly started the things by knocking the boundaries often than not.

However, Chirag Suri found it difficult thus he took 40 deliveries for his 11 runs.

Then comes Aizaz Khan, who injected a triple wicket spell into the game. He sent Suri, Rohan Mustafa and Rameez Shehzad in quick succession to provide the advantage for Hong Kong.

However, the lower-order contribution coupled with Ashfaq’s 79 pushed UAE to 176 runs on the board in the given 24 overs. Aizaz finished with a five-wicket haul for his 28 runs in the five-over quota.

In reply to the chase, Hong Kong openers Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath started the things well with a 67-run partnership for the first wicket. However, three quick wickets suddenly brought UAE into the game.

Mohammed Naveed then dented Hong Kong by rattling two quick wickets at the crucial stage. However, Christopher Carter’s run-a-ball 33-run knock helped the inexperienced side to seal the victory.

In between, Ehsan Khan’s crucial 29 also helped his side to chase the tally. However, it was a thriller at Kaula Lumpur where Hong Kong hold their nerves to join India and Pakistan in the upcoming Asia cup 2018.

Brief Scores:

UAE – 176-all out (Ashfaq Ahmed 79, Aizaz Khan 5/28)

Hong Kong – 179 (Nizakat Khan 38, Naveed 2/47)

Match Result – Hong Kong beats UAE by 2 wickets to qualify for Asia Cup 2018.