SHARJAH: Pakistan set a 194-run target for Hong Kong in a must-win game for both teams to stay in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan were off to a slow start after losing skipper Babar Azam in the third over and having only 13 runs on the board.
However, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman built a 116-run partnership to set the stage for Khushdil Shah’s fireworks in the last three overs.
Zaman contributed 53 off 41 balls before being dismissed on the first ball of the 17th over.
But the partnership had built a strong foundation for Khushdil Shah to exploit the Hong Kong bowlers. Khushdil’s cameo of 35 off 15 balls propelled Pakistan to 193/2.
Mohammad Rizwan carried the bat till the end of the innings and remained unbeaten at 78.
For Hong Kong, off-spinner Ehsan Khan was the only bowler who took wickets by dismissing Babar and Zaman in his four overs at the cost of 28 runs.
This match has become a knockout game for both teams if they wish to qualify for the Super 4s stage of the tournament.
This will be the last game of the group stage of the tournament as India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the Super 4s.
