MUSCAT: Slow left-arm bowler Anas Khan wrecked a strong Afghanistan A batting line-up with six wickets as Hong Kong claimed a stunning 5-wicket win in the Group A match of the ACC Men's Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Al Amerat on Tuesday.
Anas’ brilliant figures of 6-12 from 3.5 overs left Afghanistan A with a modest total of 131 all out in 19.5 overs. Afghanistan A fought back through right-arm medium pacer Abdul Rahman (3-17) and leg-break bowler Qais Ahmed (2-18) but Hong Kong reached over the line with three balls to spare.
Hong Kong rode on a composed 61 off 53 balls (2x4, 3x6) by captain Nizakat Khan and a crucial 39 from Babar Hayat. Despite a few late wickets, a five-ball 15 not out by Martin Coetzee saw Hong Kong through.
Earlier, Sediqullah Atal continued his hot form to score 52 off 41 balls (2x4, 2x6). Atal fell to Anas in the 14th over and Afghanistan lost their scoring momentum.
Afghanistan struggled to accelerate after the dismissal of their key batsmen. In reply, Abdul Rahman was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan, claiming 3/17, but Hong Kong’s middle-order contributions ensured they sealed a well-deserved victory, opening their account in Group A.
Despite the unexpected defeat, Afghanistan had ensured the semifinals with four points from their last two wins.
INDIA IN SEMIS
India A dominated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a crushing 7-wicket victory in their Group B clash on Monday night. With their second win, India climbed on top of Group B with four points from two matches and booked their place in the semifinals.
Batting first, UAE were bowled out for 107 in 16.5 overs. Rahul Chopra hit 50 off 50 balls for UAE in a lone fight.
Rasikh Salam led the India A bowling attack with three for 15, with good backing from Ramandeep Singh (2-7) and Abhishek Sharma (1-0).
In response, India A chased down the modest target of 108 in just 10.5 overs.
Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 58 off 24 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 241.66. Tilak Varma contributed 21 runs, while Ayush Badoni remained unbeaten on 12 to guide India A to victory with ease.
Rasikh Salam's brilliance with the ball earned him the Player of the Match award.
The defeat leaves UAE on two points from two matches and are in third place behind Pakistan Shaheens (2 points from 2 matches). Oman are at the bottom with no points.
On Wednesday, India A will play hosts Oman at 5.30 pm while Pakistan Shaheens take on UAE at 1 pm in Group B as the group fixtures come to an end. The top two teams from Group A and B will reach the semifinals slated for Friday. The final is on Sunday.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
