Dubai 24 August : Hong Kong are in the best place to win the last remaining spot in the Asia Cup 2022 tournament, scheduled to begin in the UAE on August 27th, with the team brushing away the challenge of hard-hitting Kuwait by eight wickets in the Qualifier in Al Amerat in Oman to climb to the to the top of the table.The only obstacle that remains in Hong Kong’s way to securing a spot in the Asia Cup alongside India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup will come from hosts UAE.The team is led by Nizakat Khan, Hong Kong will face UAE on Wednesday night in the final Asia Cup Qualifier match, with the winner almost certain of an opportunity in the tournament itself.
Hong Kong are currently on four points following the win in both of their matches in Qualifiers, whereas UAE are currently on two points.
A victory for UAE will almost certainly make them a contender for the last remaining place in the Asia Cup, and Hong Kong will leave the tournament.
On Tuesday in the game against Kuwait Hong Kong’s Babar Hayat was at his best with an unbeaten score of 53 from just 30 balls to ensure a smooth chase.Set a goal of 152 to win against Kuwait, Hong Kong overhauled the target to take the loss of two wickets with in 17.4 overs.
Yasim Murtaza (46 off 33) and Nizakat Khan, the skipper (50 off 43) at the top of the order have set the stage for Hong Kong’s attempt to knock Kuwait off its target, with Murtaza’s 2/11 earlier was enough to make him the most popular of bowlers.
Hong Kong have matters in their own control, with a win over UAE enough to take the top spot in the group.
A loss would leave the teams on equal points, but Nizakat’s side is likely to lose against the Emiratis due to a lower net run rate.
Hong Kong are yet to beat UAE in an official T20I although their last meeting was in October 2019 during the T20 World Cup Qualifier.
Kuwait with two points, also have the chance of getting the final Asia Cup berth, but for that , they’ll have to win by an enormous amount against Singapore on Wednesday due to of the low net run rate (NRR).
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