Asia Cup: India beat Hong Kong by 26 runs before clash against Pakistan
Dubai, Sept 19 (IBNS): India commenced their Asia Cup journey with a 26 runs victory against Hong Kong here on Tuesday.
The win ensured Hong Kong's exit from the tournament as they were defeated by Pakistan in the first match of the group.
After posting 285 runs for the loss of seven wickets, Indian bowlers struggled hard to restrict Hong Kong to 259 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
Nizakat Khan (92) and skipper Anshuman Rath (73) played brilliantly as they nearly caused an upset in the tournament but Indian bowlers kept it tight at the end of the match to ensure a victory.
The two openers added 174 runs for the first wicket partnership as India struggled to get their first wicket in the innings.It is also the highest partnership in the ODI history of the associate cricket nations.
After the openers departed, Hong Kong lost its way and ultimately faced their second defeat in the tournament.
Debutant Khaleel Ahmed impressed with figures of 3/48 while Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav shared the remaining five Hong Kong wickets which helped India prevent a defeat against an associate cricketing nation.
Earlier, Shikhar Dhawan added 127 runs with his willow which helped India post 285 runs on the scorecard.
He smashed 15 boundaries and 2 sixes in his knock.
Ambati Rayudu added crucial 60 runs with his willow.
Dinesh Karthik (33) and Dhawan added 79 runs together after India lost quick wickets at one point of the game.
Kinchit Shah's (3/39) and Ehsan Khan (2/65) were the pick of the Hong Kong bowlers.
India's star batsman MS Dhoni survived just three balls and could not contribute a single run in the opening match of the tournament for his side.
India will face Pakistan in their second match on Wednesday.
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