Pakistan saunter to victory over hapless Hong Kong

E-Paper | April 26, 2026

Pakistan saunter to victory over hapless Hong Kong

AFP Published September 16, 2018

Imam-ul-Haq runs between the wickets during the Asia Cup cricket match between Hong Kong and Pakistan — AFP

Shadab Khan (R) celebrates with teammate after he dismissed Hong Kong batsman Babar Hayat — AFP

Hong Kong batsman Aizaz Khan is dismissed by Pakistan cricketer Usman Khan — AFP

Hong Kong batsman Kinchit Shah (2R) plays a shot as Pakistan cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed (L) looks on — AFP

Usman Khan (C) celebrates with teammates after he dismissed Hong Kong batsman Scott McKechnie — AFP

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Former champions Pakistan thrashed an inexperienced Hong Kong by eight wickets in a one-sided match to open their Asia Cup campaign in style on Sunday.

Pakistan's bowling attack was too hot to handle for Hong Kong in Dubai as Usman Shinwari finished with 3-19 and Hasan Ali took 2-19, while leg-spinner Shadab Khan managed 2-31 to bowl Hong Kong out for 116 in 37.1 overs.

Hong Kong vs King Kong: Pakistan's Asia Cup campaign to begin with a mismatch

Pakistan then completed the chase comfortably for the loss of opener Fakhar Zaman (24) and Babar Azam (33), while Imam-ul-Haq finished on 50 not out after just 23.4 overs.

It proved another cakewalk for Pakistan, like their two previous victories against Hong Kong, by 173 runs in the 2004 Asia Cup in Colombo and by 155 in Karachi four years later.

This was a perfect warm-up for Pakistan ahead of their high-profile showdown with arch rivals India, also in Dubai on Wednesday.

Hong Kong struggled after captain Anshuman Rath won the toss and chose to bat in the Group A opener.

Top-scorer Aizaz Khan (27) and Kinchit Shah (26) fought valiantly during their sixth-wicket stand of 53 runs to offer some respite after Hong Kong were left reeling at 44-5.

Skipper Rath (19) and Nizakat Khan (13) were the only other two men to reach double figures.

Bangladesh thumped Sri Lanka by 137 runs in the first Group B match in Dubai on Saturday. Afghanistan will take on Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, with the top two from that table contesting the September 28 final in Dubai.

Teams

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari

Hong Kong: Anshuman Rath (capt), Aizaz Khan, Babar Hayat, Mohammad Nizakat, Christopher Carter, Ehsan Khan, Ehsan Nawaz, Kinchit Shah, Nadeem Ahmed, Scott McKehnie, Tanvir Afzal

Umpires: Rod Tucker (AUS) and Ahmad Pakteen (AFG) Tv umpires: Shaun George (RSA) Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

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INDvsPAK

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Isra

Sep 16, 2018 06:50pm

Sri Lanka seems to appear not the team they use to be.

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Vikas

Sep 16, 2018 08:01pm

@Isra .... for quite some time

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Sep 16, 2018 08:08pm

As expected, this match was a piece of cake for the green-shirts. Howover, they must not get complacent, stay focused, remain positive and dwell upon becoming mentally tough for the remaining matches especially the one scheduled against their old and historic traditional rivals on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 and maybe, the grand final of the 2028 Asia Cricket Cup.

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Vikas

Sep 16, 2018 08:34pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Well I can predict your comment on Wednesday. It will say "well played green shirts, it was a tough fight". When in actuality it would be a one sided match and a lot of comments would be there as replies addressed to you, some of which of course Dawn would "moderate".

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Rajesh

Sep 16, 2018 08:43pm

Minutes before the match started, there was a countdown and I was pleasantly surprised that Pakistani players were counting in English.

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Socrates

Sep 16, 2018 08:43pm

Good but this was no achievement and nothing really to be proud of. I have never seen Pakistan-origin players playing for other countries performing well against Pakistan, never, be it Moeen Ali or Imran Tahir or others. There is an obvious clash of interests there. And this is true for only Pakistan origin players.

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M. Emad

Sep 16, 2018 08:45pm

Pakistan is a weak team in 2018 cricket Asia Cup.

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Balram Sharma

Sep 16, 2018 09:15pm

Some consolation for Pakistan before they succumb yo India on 19th....

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Ashton

Sep 16, 2018 10:36pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad 2028? Wow seems to be very futuristic

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Abhishek Singh

Sep 16, 2018 10:37pm

Winning against minnows doesn't matter.

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Naziya

Sep 16, 2018 10:59pm

To crush minnows like Hong Kong is nothing. The factor of Amir in this match wasn't much impactful.which will be the relief sign for the likes of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. The encounter with the strong Indian batting line up absence of Kohli will be tough still as well as strong enough deeply. Moreover many of them came from the fastest pitches of England. Pakistan must be careful for next game against India.

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Naxalite

Sep 16, 2018 11:12pm

Beat India next!

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Naxalite

Sep 16, 2018 11:12pm

@Isra How is this relevant?

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Naxalite

Sep 16, 2018 11:12pm

@Vikas Pak will thrash india like the did last time

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Naxalite

Sep 16, 2018 11:13pm

@Rajesh I wonder how this below the belt comment even got published?

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Naxalite

Sep 16, 2018 11:13pm

@Rajesh This much hatred?

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Ali

Sep 16, 2018 11:14pm

@Abhishek Singh Dont worry we will beat other teams like we did in champions trophy !

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Ali

Sep 16, 2018 11:17pm

@Vikas We have already proved to be an unpredictable team and an excellent team by Winning the Champions Ttophy against India! We dont mind losing or winning but the way Indian media and fans behaved was worth watching after Pakistan lifted the Trophy!

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Combaticus

Sep 16, 2018 11:17pm

@Socrates That is low. Dont troll. Unfounded comments on Pakistan win against a medicore HK side. S

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Umer Saeed

Sep 16, 2018 11:31pm

This selection of team Inzi take 1.2 million per month ? questionable his salary + perk + Bonus+ daily allowance + his Bhatija + now his son. He should be only paid Rs.50,000 P.m no other benefit.

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observer#1

Sep 16, 2018 11:58pm

I would not call it a good warmup since our batsman did not get chance to play full game.

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Shahryar Shirazi

Sep 17, 2018 12:25am

@Rajesh " Minutes before the match started, there was a countdown and I was pleasantly surprised that Pakistani players were counting in English" Suprised that your comment was approved by the auditor. Let me remind you these players are to play for their country and not to teach English. Let me also remind you our PM is very fluent in English while yours cant speak as he did not go to a school. Axar Patel is another cricketer who cannot speak English. 80 percent of rural India cannot speak English.

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Shahryar Shirazi

Sep 17, 2018 12:29am

@Vikas " I can predict your comment on Wednesday. It will say "well played green shirts, it was a tough fight". When in actuality it would be a one sided match and a lot of comments would be there as replies addressed to you, some of which of course Dawn would "moderate" India is definitely a stronger team, but if there is any lesson you should learn from the events of June 18 2017, it is to let go of this arrogance. The mighty Windies, Pak amd Aus of the 80s, 90s and 00s respectively is all history. Its Indias time now, enjoy with humbleness and grace. Dont act like Sehwag and make fun of your fellow country men.

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srini

Sep 17, 2018 12:43am

World champions

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LOUDSPEAKER

Sep 17, 2018 01:02am

Pakistan's first match against Hong Kong is just like a warm up practise. The real fight for supermacy will begin from 9/19/2018. Do not take India lightly. Inspite of their recent defeat in England, they are still considered to be the most powerful team in one-day cricket. Wicket conditions and toss will be the key factor. Pakistan needs to control Lokesh Rahul in batting and use precaution against Jasprit Bumrah's bowling. Good Luck Green Shirts.

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Kartikay

Sep 17, 2018 01:44am

@Shahryar Shirazi Modi has spoken extempore at the world's premiere events including, madison square, US Congress, in front of Obama, British pm, united nations, top universities, corporates & also in hundreds of election rallies, in multiple diction & flairs.. I ran is a good orator too but his knowledge, credential & global appeal is nothing in comparison to Modi jee.

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vorshal

Sep 17, 2018 05:15am

Great victory for Pakistan. Congratulations. I expect Hong Kong will find every team as King Kong!

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Be honest

Sep 17, 2018 07:36am

Pakistan team is hot favourite and the best of all.

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Be honest

Sep 17, 2018 07:41am

@Rajesh Nothing better we can expect from Indians. Many show hatred for no reason. .

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Omair

Sep 17, 2018 07:41am

@Rajesh you need help

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Ashish

Sep 17, 2018 10:16am

Though I am an Indian but I feel that on current form and team combination Pakistan are the favourites to win the Asia Cup ...

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Mahen

Sep 18, 2018 05:02am

@Ashish Agree-When considering absence of Kohli, having played just 24 hours earlier in 40 degree heat, jetlag as most of the players arrive today from England jet lagged and fatigue , and away from home for 2 months plus the added advantage of Pakistan playing on their home ground. Yes Pakistan are favorites

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ali

Sep 18, 2018 10:56pm

@Mahen Already making excuses ?

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Abhishek

Sep 20, 2018 06:44am

@ali Now you know.

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