India were kept on their toes as a low-lying Hong Kong gave more than a tough fight to world number two- India, but lost by 26 runs in the Group A clash of Asia Cup 2018. Indian spinners and debutant Khaleed Ahmed rescued India from a tricky situation when they were grasped in the jaws of defeat. This may be India’s biggest eye opener ahead of their clash against Pakistan.
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Earlier in the match, Hong Kong captain Anshuman Rath won the toss and choosed to bowl first.
India’s innings
Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan came to bat and played some fierce strokes at the start of the innings. Both the batsman added 45 runs for first wicket before Rohit was trapped by Ehsan Khan as he mistimed the ball that went to mid on fielder Nizakat Khan. Also read: Asia Cup 2018: India vs Pakistan- Weather report, Pitch Report, Statistics, Winner Prediction and more
Dhawan continued to play sensibly and piled up a 116 run stand with Ambati Rayudu(60). He eventually went on to score his ton in the 36th over on flat wicket of Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After the departure of Dhawan, India continued to lose wickets in a bunch, Dhoni(0) and Dinesh Karthik(33) could not provide the late flourish as the things were left to Kedar Jadhav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
India could just manage over 40 runs in last 10 overs that kept their score to 285/7.
Summary: Shikhar Dhawan (127), Kinchit Shah 3/39
Hong Kong’s innings
It was certainly like a practise match for the Indian team but Hong Kong openers Anshuman Rath(73) and Nizakat Khan(92) had some other plans as they piled up the best 1st wicket partnership in the tournament with a 174 run-stand. India tried Kedar Jadhav and spin twins of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav to give them the breakthrough but the Hong Kong batsman batted like any top batter in the world.
Just when the match was drifting away from India and Hong Kong was surging to create an upset of all time, Kuldeep Yadav send Anshuman packing. Nizakat Khan was later dismissed by debutant Khaleed Ahmed, who picked the most valuable wicket of the match to keep India in the game.
With more than 7 runs required per over in last 10 overs, Hong Kong batsman faltered when it mattered the most. Babar Hayat(18), Christopher Carter(3), Kinchit Shah(17) tried to pull-off something extraordinary but Indian bowlers finally got themselves in the match as Yuzvendra dismissed Shah and Hayat, while Khaleel bagged the wicket of Carter.
Hong Kong could not find the momentum after losing wickets in a bunch and could score 259 for 8 at the end of 50 overs that gave a 26 runs win to India.
The men in blue have also qualified for the Super 4, with this win.
Summary: Nizakat Khan 92, Yuzvendra Chahal 3/46.
India takes on Pakistan in group A clash on Wednesday.
