Pakistan vs Hong Kong

That’s true for Hong Kong too, who did offer a glimpse of the threat they can pose. India were only going at about 7 an over before the whirlwind knock from Suryakumar Yadav proved the game-changer in setting Hong Kong a daunting target. In reply, their batting didn’t make it look like a one-sided contest either, as the expectations may have been from the apparent mismatch on paper. Pakistan, too, would be counting on it.

When: Friday, September 2 at 2 PM GMT | 6 PM local

Where: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

What to expect: Another hot and humid day in store. Chasing has proven successful across venues in the UAE with India being the only side to have defended a total this Asia Cup, incidentally against Hong Kong.

Team Watch

Pakistan

Injury/Unavailability: Naseem Shah looked visibly in pain completing the second half of his final over in India’s chase. In case Pakistan decide to not risk him, Mohammad Hasnain will likely get a look in.

Tactics and match-ups:With the Asia Cup pitches as they are, runs against the hard new ball become important. And when it comes to setting targets in the UAE, the runs at the top are twice as valuable. Since 2021, Babar Azam strikes at only 113 inside the PowerPlay. Rizwan at 123 fares only slightly better. Hong Kong will want to exploit this further.