A 174-run partnership between Hong Kong openers Anshuman Rath and Nizakat Khan gave some mighty scares to India, however, Indian team fought back to clinch a 26-run win in their Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.
Hong Kong won the toss and chose to ball first. The Indian openers, Rohit Sharma (23) and Shikhar Dhawan (127), gave a good start. Dhawan played the role of an aggressor, whacking boundaries off Hong Kong bowlers erring lengths. While spinner Ehsan Khan (2 for 65) provided the first breakthrough to Hong Kong, accounting for Rohit’s wicket.
The 32-year-old left-hander, showed no mercy to the Hong Kong bowlers as he batted carefree to romp off to a half-century. On the other hand, Ambati Rayudu (60) played the second hand to ensure that India’s scoreboard kept ticking. The two batsmen shared a 116-run partnership before Ehsan Nawaz (1 for 50) sent Rayudu back.
ALSO READ: China Open: Sindhu enters pre-quarters, Nehwal crashes out
Dhawan continued to attack and registered his 14th ODI century. However, Hong Kong’s off-spinner Kinchit Shah (3 for 39) scalped the dangerman Dhawan, which effectively stalled India’s innings.
Skipper MS Dhoni walked back to the pavilion without scoring, only managing to feather an edge to wicketkeeper Scott McKechnie off Ehsan Nawaz. The lower-order also failed to make runs, with Kedar Jadhav (28*) waging alone in the end and helped India to reach 285, a score that was well below the expectations.
Chasing a target of 286 runs to win, Hong Kong made a cautious start to their innings. Rath (73) and Nizakat (92) piled pressure on the Indian bowlers, barring Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinning duo Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav struggle to pick up wickets.
With Hong Kong reaching the 100-run mark without losing any wicket, tension descended amongst Indian team and fans. However, much to everyone’s relief, Kuldeep drew the first wicket, accounting for Rath. In the next over, Nizakat was sent back by debutant Khaleel Ahmed. The middle and lower orders then frittered away by Khaleel and Chahal, who continued to get breakthroughs at regular intervals.
From 174 for 0, Hong Kong lost their way and eventually finishing at 259 for 8 in 50 overs.
For India, Khaleel and Chahal stood out, scalping 3 for 48 and 3 for 46 respectively. Kuldeep took 2 for 42. Meanwhile, Dhawan was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant innings.
India will now lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan on Wednesday, the most-awaited Asia Cup encounter.