Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by 64 runs in a thrilling twenty20 clash in Dubai on Monday.
Chasing 168 for victory, Mark Chapman scored a 39-ball half century and Anshuman Rath contributed 18 to anchor the Hong Kong innings, but the side lost wickets regularly to be dismissed for 103 runs in 17.1 overs.
Pakistan may have momentarily regretted electing to bat, with opener Ahmed Shehzad dismissed with the first ball of the match. However, Rafatullah Mohmand (25) and number three Sohaib Maqsood (25) steadied the ship, before Mohammad Rizwan starred with an unbeaten 38-ball 55.
Aamer Yamin added 27 more, while number eight Anwar Ali struck 16 from only eight deliveries to help boost Pakistan’s run rate in the final overs. Babar Hayat took a screaming catch to dismiss Anwir on the last ball of the innings, a catch that was also Haseeb Amjad’s third wicket for the day. Haseeb finished the pick of the Hong Kong bowlers with three for 38, which Anshuman Rath claimed two for 30, and Tanwir Afzal and Aizaz Khan took one apiece.
In reply, Hong Kong lost two early wickets and only had 11 runs on the board when vice captain Mark Chapman came to the crease. Opener Anshuman Rath added a vital 18 runs from 19 deliveries, but it was Chapman’s knock, which included five fours and two sixes, that got the Hong Kong innings back on track.
It was with a four that Chapman brought up his half century, but he was caught next ball to leave Hong Kong precariously balanced at 82 for six after 12.2 overs. Hong Kong’s tail failed to wag in the last few overs. Finally, Hong Kong closed on 103 all out after 17.1 overs.
Hong Kong has three T20Is remaining in its tour of the UAE.
Result
Pakistan won by 64 runs
Toss – Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first
Pakistan 167/7, 20 overs
Mohammad Rizwan 55*, Aamer Yamin 27, Rafatullah Mohmand 25, Sohaib Maqsood 25
Haseeb Amjad 3/38, Anshuman Rath 2/30, Tanwir Afzal 1/25, Aizaz Khan 1/32
Hong Kong 103 all out, 17.1 overs
Mark Chapman 50, Anshuman Rath 18, Waqas Khan 10
Bilal Asif 2/13, Shahid Afridi 2/21, Sohail Tanvir 1/8, Aamer Yamin 1/29
