Dubai: Hong Kong snapped UAE’s winning run in the Asia Cup qualifier and registered an emphatic 182-run victory in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Hong Kong’s captain and opener Anshuman Rath and Babar Hayat cracked centuries to post 275 for eight in 50 overs.
Chasing the total, UAE were bowled out for 93 with off-spinner Ehsan Khan taking four for 17 from six overs. Rohan Mustafa topscored with 33 runs. Except for Ashfaq Ahmad (11) and Mohammad Usman (19n.o) none of the other batsmen could reach double figures.
UAE had elected to field first but Hong Kong got off to a brilliant start through Rath, who hit 102 off 113 balls with nine boundaries and a six, and one-drop Hayat, who scored 107 off 105 balls with nine sixes and two boundaries. Together, they put on 180 runs for the second wicket. Rohan Mustafa and Imran Haider took three wickets each, but could not stem Hong Kong’s run flow.
UAE, who had put up a good batting performance in their first two matches, lost their in-form opener Chirag Suri for one run. Opener Ahmad too followed for 11 runs. To make matters worse, Rameez Shahzad got run out for 8. Ehsan Khan went on to trap Shaiman Anwar leg before for 8. UAE innings quickly got wrapped up before the 100 run mark with left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmad taking two wickets in three overs.
UAE, who had defeated Singapore and Nepal in their first two matches, take on Malaysia on Sunday.
