- Photo Credits: ACC

A tough tour for the Hong Kong team ends in 2 losses and one washed-out game. The side competed well despite missing some key personnel, and there were several fine individual performances on display, but the boys will return home win-less from Karachi, having been eliminated from the group stages of the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

They started the tournament by facing the hosts, Pakistan U23s, on Thursday 6th December. After electing to bowl first, they found themselves at the receiving end of a massive 219-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (130) and Ali Imran (107). Khushdil Shah then hit a quick 83 off just 40 balls, taking the home team to a massive 366/3 in their 50 overs. Tanwir Afzal was the pick of the HK bowlers - his 7 overs at the start of the innings going for just 21 runs.
The Hong Kong batting never got going in the chase - Aizaz Khan was dismissed early, before Mohammad Ilyas burst through with a hat-trick, dismissing Raag Kapur, Babar Hayat and Waqas Khan with the score at 38. It was always going to be a struggle from there on in. Shahid Wasif fought back nicely with a well compiled 59, but lacked support, and was the 9th man dismissed as HK were bowled out for just 141 in 34 overs.
It was a good experience for the team, despite the result, as they got to compete against a side consisting of players with International and PSL experience at a historic Test venue.
Pakistan U23s 366/3 (50) beat Hong Kong 141 a/o (34) by 225 runs.ESPN Cricinfo Scorecard | ACC Match Report

They would then move on to Southend Stadium Ground for their remaining two group games, starting with Bangladesh U23s on Friday 7th December. Sent in to field first, the bowling attack put on a better performance, and at one stage had reduced Bangladesh to 99/3. That's when Test Cricketer Mosaddek Hossain hit an even 100 off just 86 balls to lift his side to 286/8 in their 50 overs. Aizaz Khan was among the wickets again with 3, and Tanwir Afazaal bowled another tight new ball spell, with 8-0-33-0.
In reply, Nizakat Khan (92 off 95, 9 fours, 3 sixes) and Babar Hayat (91 off 95, 5 fours, 3 sixes) batted brilliantly, but couldn't quite get HK over the line. A valiant chase ended on 258/7, just 29 shy of the target. A good performance with plenty of improvements, but unfortunately it was to be HK's second loss in a row.
Bangladesh U23s 286/8 (50) beat Hong Kong 258/7 (50) by 28 runsESPN Cricinfo Scorecard | ACC Match Report

These two losses meant that Hong Kong would need a big win over UAE in their final group stage game to make it to the next round. They faced each other on Sunday 9th December, and this time HK were sent in to bat first after losing the toss. The UAE bowlers made early inroads and bowled with great discipline to reduce HK to 87/4 in 31 overs, with Babar Hayat battling away on 45*, when suddenly it began to rain. The shower lasted just 30 minutes, but water had leaked onto the square, and despite the groundsman's best efforts, the game had to be called off. A damp end to the tournament for both sides, as this result saw them both eliminated in the group stage.
Hong Kong 87/4 (31) vs UAE Abandoned with No Result
ESPN Cricinfo Scorecard | ACC Match Report

A disappointing result for the team, but a good learning experience all the same. We would like to thank the ACC and PCB for organising this tournament, and providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all involved. For more images, stats and coverage, please check out the ACC and ESPNCricinfo websites!

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