Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan vs Hong Kong | Usman Khan stars as Green Army register comfortable eight-wicket win

Imam-ul-Haq and Usman Khan powered Pakistan to a comfortable eight-wicket victory with their unbeaten half-century and three wickets respectively over minnows Hong Kong in a Group A match on Sunday in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018. Pakistan have been touted as the favourites of the Asia Cup 2018.

Hong Kong won the toss and elected to bat first, however, Pakistan’s bowling attack was too hot to handle for them as they folded for a paltry 116 in 37.1 overs, as Usman Khan took three wickets and the duo of Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali took two each.

Kinchit Shah (26) and Aizaz Khan (27) were the top scorers for Hong Kong, while captain Anshuman Rath scored 19 runs as Hong Kong’s batting order surrendered in front of Pakistan’s bowling attack.

In reply, Pakistan easily chased the target scoring 120 for 2 in just 23.4 overs, thanks to Imam’s 69-ball unbeaten 50.

Pakistan started the chase brightly as openers Imam and Fakhar Zaman shared a 41-run partnership in the first 8 overs. After Fakhar departed, Imam and new man Babar built a 52-run partnership to take the Green Army close to the target. Shoaib Malik then scored the winning runs to take Pakistan to the winning line.

Usman Khan was named the Man of the Match for his brilliant 3/19 in 7.3 overs with 1 maiden.

Pakistan will now face their arch-rivals and no.1 ODI team India on September 19 (Wednesday).

Brief Score:

Hong Kong: 116 all out in 37.1 overs (Aizaz Khan 27; Usman Khan 3/19)

Pakistan: 120 for 2 in 23.4 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 50 not out; Ehsan Khan 2/34).