Image Source- ICC
Pakistan book their spot in Asian Games semis after a wobble
saw them stagger to 73 for 6 before their bottom order saved their innings to
score a solid total of 160 and their spinners bowled out Hong Kong for 92 to
secure a semi-final spot in the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
When Honk Kong decided to bowl, Ayush Shukla’s early
wickets—Mirza Baig and Rohail Nazir in the first three overs, followed by
Haider Ali’s dismissal in the following over—made good use of the new ball.
While attempting to hit the leg-side boundary in the ninth over, captain Qasim
Akram skied one to silly mid-off while partnering with opener Omair Yousuf to
consolidate to push them past 50.
Younus was bowled by Anas Khan for 21 after four
deliveries, and Pakistan was in trouble at 54 for 5. To raise the score above
100, Asif Ali combined with Khushdil Shah for a useful stand of 19 and with
Arafat Minhas for a stand of 36. Despite the fact that Asif was out for 25 with
22 balls remaining in the innings, Pakistan’s No. 9 Aamer Jamal smashed a
16-ball 41 to help the team reach 160 runs, scoring 49 runs in the final three
overs, including 26 in the final one.
When Minhas scored twice on the power play, Pakistan
also made a strong start with the ball. However, Babar Hayat at No. 3 kept them
rolling at about six an over towards the midway point. However, Khushdil
dismissed him for 29, and Hong Kong imploded, going from 54 for 2 to 63 for 8,
losing six wickets for just nine runs. To bowl out Hong Kong in 18.5 overs,
Manhas, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Qasim each claimed two wickets in addition to
Khushdil’s three for thirteen.