Asia Cup 2022: Virat Kohli in Hong Kong’s sights as they clinch finals spot alongside India, Pakistan

8-wicket win over United Arab Emirates means Hong Kong men’s team complete the qualifiers in Oman unbeaten

Hong Kong will play against India and Pakistan in the finals of the T20 tournament that begin this month

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Hong Kong’s players celebrate as they book their place in the 2022 Asia Cup. Photo: Asian Cricket

Published: 10:22am, 25 Aug 2022Updated: 12:34pm, 25 Aug 2022

Hong Kong’s men have won the battle to join their continent’s cricketing giants in the finals of the Asia Cup by recording a convincing victory over United Arab Emirates to secure a qualification berth.

They maintained their unbeaten run in the qualifying round in Oman, where they won all three of their matches, to take their place in the T20 tournament, which begins at the weekend in UAE.

Having previously seen off Singapore narrowly and then Kuwait in comfortable fashion, Hong Kong were again emphatic in clinching their third victory late on Wednesday. UAE were all out for 147 in 19.3 overs, and Hong Kong reached 149 to surpass their target with an over to spare, winning by eight wickets.

Hong Kong had won the toss and chosen to field – a decision that was vindicated as they bowled out their opponents, thanks in no small part to a player-of-the-match performance from Ehsan Khan, who claimed 4 wickets for 24.

Ehsan Khan was man of the match for Hong Kong against UAE, taking 4 for 24. Photo: Asian Cricket

The run chase was completed with the loss of only two wickets.