Hong Kong has been given the ODI status for the Asia Cup 2018 as they face Pakistan in the second match of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
Live updates:
Stay tuned for the toss.
The game is scheduled to start at 3:30 PM Local, 4:30 PM PST.
The two teams are slotted in the Group A alongside India. Hong Kong and Pakistan have faced each other twice in ODIs, during the Asia Cup 2004 and 2008 respectively. On both the occasions, Pakistan won the matches by huge margins.
TV telecast and PTV Sports live streaming details
India & Subcontinent: Star Sports, DD National (DD1), DD Sports
Australia, USA: Yupp TV
South Africa: SuperSport
Bangladesh: Gazi TV (GTV), Channel 9, BTV National
Afghanistan: Ariana TV
New Zealand: Yupp TV
Sri Lanka: SLRC (Channel Eye)
Pakistan: PTV Sports, Ten Sports
Hong Kong: Star Sports
Pakistan look to start their campaign on a high
Pakistan is coming into this tournament after a 5-0 series win in Zimbabwe. The side has looked really good in the recent times, with both batsmen and bowlers contributing in equal proportion. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Iman-ul-Haq had done wonders with the bat in Zimbabwe, and if they were to continue their good form into the Asia Cup as well, then Pakistan's long-term problem of finding two permanent solid openers will be sorted.
Pakistan team optional practice session underway at ICC Academy, Dubai. Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Amir are resting. pic.twitter.com/FzkTUL7pBk
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) September 15, 2018
Their middle order looks good with the likes of Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, and Sarfaraz Ahmed. In the bowling department, it doesn't seem they have too many issues as Pakistan has never really had a poor bowling attack.
The winners of the Champions Trophy last year, Pakistan would know that they have a great chance of winning this Asia Cup, and to do that, the side led by Sarfaraz Ahmed needs to start well against Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's chance to create a major upset
Hong Kong, on the other hand, will be overjoyed that they left behind five Asian sides to win the Qualifiers and make it to the final round.
The side led by Anshuman Rath doesn't lack ability, but the experience is always the key while playing against a top team, which they certainly lack.
Asia Cup 2018 Matches Schedule#AsiaCup2018 #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/rfVDRejjOA
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) September 15, 2018
Hong Kong, who had been ripped off their ODI status earlier this year, has been given the status for the Asia Cup. It will be an exciting week for the Hong Kong team, but if they go on to defeat Pakistan or India, it will be quite an upset to remember.
The hot and humid conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was witnessed by many in the opening match, and it is likely to continue the same way. The pitch is expected to play evenly in both the innings, and it will mostly favor the batsmen, as an article on Cricbuzz suggests. Some excellent swing bowling can be expected with the new ball before it gets easier for the batsmen.