Asia Cup Qualifiers 2018: Hong Kong's journey to the trophy

Hong Kong vs United Arab Emirates, Final

Hong Kong got the ticket for the Asia Cup main event.

An opportunity to feature in Asia Cup main draw was at stake and both teams fought tooth and nail to secure that spot. It was Hong Kong who held their nerves in tense situations and qualified for the Asia's premier ODI tournament.

Hong Kong skipper invited UAE to bat first after winning the toss. Ashfaq Ahmed and Chirag Suri started cautiously and added 54 runs for the opening wicket in 12.1 overs. But Hong Kong bowlers made a comeback by taking 3 quick wickets. UAE were 65 for 3 when rain interrupted the play. The match was reduced to 24 overs per side due to the interruption. Ashfaq Ahmed smashed a brilliant 79 off 51 balls and UAE finished with 176 for 9 in 24 overs.

In reply, Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath provided a quick-fire start to Hong Kong and the score raced to 60 even before completion of 6 overs. At this point, Hong Kong lost three wickets in a quick succession and match hung in balance. Christopher Carter and Ehsan Khan added 53 important runs for the 5th wicket and stabilized the innings. With the help of short cameos from Tanwir Afzal and Scott McKechnie in the end, Hong Kong went past the finish line and sealed a spot in the Asia Cup.