Asia Cup 2018: Match 2, PAK vs HK, Match Prediction - Who will win the match, Pakistan or Hong Kong?

It has been over six years since Pakistan managed to win an Asia Cup and the Men in Green would be optimistic about their chances this time around. With Sri Lanka’s standards slipping and India resting their stalwart Virat Kohli, they firmly have an eye on the title.

They will kick-start their campaign with a clash against newcomers Hong Kong, who are eager to punch above their weight. To combat this Pakistani lineup will not be easy and unless they don’t show some fortitude, HK are up for some serious hammering.

The 2017 Champions Trophy winners as always will be relying heavily on their stupendous bowling attack. Their top order batsmen have been performing pretty well in recent times which should give them enough confidence to go out there and register a simple win.

Pitch

Hot and humid conditions in Dubai will keep the pitch dry. Going by how things panned out in the first game, the pitch might be on the slower side and spinners on both sides will be licking their fingers.

Playing combinations

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq is settling into the side as a dependable opener and will partner Fakhar Zaman. Babar Azam will be coming in at number 3, with Sarfraz Ahmed, Haris Sohail and Asif Ali following them in the middle order.

Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali will be the main threat for all the sides this season, but veteran Junaid Khan cannot be ignored. Shadab Khan will have a big role to play as the tournament opener suggests there might be something for the spinners.

Predicted XI

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (C & wk), Haris Sohail, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan

Hong Kong

Skipper Anshuman Rath and Nizakat Khan will open the innings for the side alongside Nizakat Khan. The middle will comprise of some good experienced and young players like Babar Hayat, Kinchit Shah, Christopher Carter, Ehsan Khan and Aizaz Khan.

A lot will depend on Tanwir Afzal and Ehsan Nawaz, who performed very well in the Qualifiers. Aizaz Khan too will be hogging some limelight especially after his incredible spell in the final of the Qualifying tournament. The finger-spin duo of Ehsan Khan and Nadeem Ahmed too will be eager to provide a good quota of 10 overs to their skipper.

Predicted XI

Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath (C), Babar Hayat, Kinchit Shah, Christopher Carter, Ehsan Khan, Aizaz Khan, Scott McKechnie (wk), Tanwir Afzal, Ehsan Nawaz, Nadeem Ahmed

Probable top performers

Hasan Ali – Pakistan | Anshuman Rath – Hong Kong

The prediction is for Pakistan to win the game quite comfortably. 

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