Asia Cup 2022 has so far witnessed some early action-packed encounters from both the groups A and B. Hong Kong being the only team from group A yet to feature in the marquee event, will cross the swords in their first group stage match against India on August 31. Hong Kong will then square off against Pakistan in their second group match on September 02. Notably, the group match against Hong Kong is a crucial one for Pakistan, victory for Green Shirts means they qualify for Super 4 round of Asia Cup 2022. Team Hong Kong Asia Cup 2022 Squad and Match List: Get HK Cricket Team Schedule in IST and Player Names for Continental T20 Tournament.
Hong Kong have been exceptionally phenomenal in 2022 Asia Cup qualifiers as they earned their spot into the main Asia Cup 2022 event earlier this month and became the sixth confirmed team to participate in the tournament. Nizakat Khan and co. remained unbeaten throughout the Asia Cup qualifiers. Some exceptional players who made it possible for Hong Kong should get the dues. Here's a look at the players who got Hong Kong a comfortable entry into the coveted event by their tremendous performance and surely the one's opposition must watch out for.
Babar Hayat: The 30-year-old, Babar Hayat is currently the batter in form for Hong Kong. Babar Hayat had a decent outing in Asia Cup qualifiers 2022 as he ended up being third-highest run-scorer and garnered 97 runs in three matches. However, the 2022 Asia Cup tournament proper is altogether a totally different platform were the right-hand batter will face the world's most exemplary bowlers, hence things could get tight. Despite the threat of tough opposition to face this time, Babar Hayat's overall tremendous strike rate of 127.60 in 32 T20s is something to watch out for. When is Next India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2022 Cricket Match? Here’s How Arch-Rivals Can Face-off in the Super 4 Round.
Nizakat Khan: The captain himself is an essential element to the team Hong Kong. He had a good time scoring in Asia Cup qualifiers as he piled up as many as 89 runs from three matches. He has played a good amount of T20 cricket and in his 51 matches thus far, Nizakat scored 978 runs. As mighty India and Pakistan take on the valiant Hong Kong, Khan will be the player from the side to watch out for.
Yasim Murtaza: A perfect all-rounder from Hong Kong to bet on. He displayed his batting skills in the 2022 Asia Cup qualifiers quite well and ended up being the highest run-getter in the tournament. Yasim made 130 runs from just three matches to enroll himself as the best batter of the event. Yasim also scalped three wickets in the qualifiers. With such impressive figures, he definitely is another player from Hong Kong to watch out for in the Asia Cup 2022.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2022 07:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).