152/5 (20.0)
CRR : 7.60
192/2 (20.0)
CRR : 9.60
India won by 40 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
Player
68(26)
India have won the game by 40 runs and have entered the Super 4!
After being put into bat, India got off to a decent start, with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul adding 38 runs for the first wicket. While Rohit perished for a quick-fire 13-ball 21, Rahul crawled his way through to a disappointing 39-ball 36, before being dismissed by Mohammad Ghazanfar.
However, what we witnessed after that was nothing short of carnage from Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. The dynamic duo added 98 runs off just 42 balls, propelling India to a massive total of 192 runs. Suryakumar played the aggressor’s role in the partnership and slammed a blistering 26-ball 68*. On the other hand, Kohli found his sublime touchback, as he stroked a fluent 44-ball 59*.
After being put into bat, India got off to a decent start, with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul adding 38 runs for the first wicket. While Rohit perished for a quick-fire 13-ball 21, Rahul crawled his way through to a disappointing 39-ball 36, before being dismissed by Mohammad Ghazanfar.
However, what we witnessed after that was nothing short of carnage from Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. The dynamic duo added 98 runs off just 42 balls, propelling India to a massive total of 192 runs. Suryakumar played the aggressor’s role in the partnership and slammed a blistering 26-ball 68*. On the other hand, Kohli found his sublime touchback, as he stroked a fluent 44-ball 59*.
Ghazanfar and Ayush Shukla picked one wicket apiece for Hong Kong.
In reply, Hong Kong got off to a disastrous start, losing opener Yasim Murtaza in the second over. However, star batter Babar Hayat and skipper Nizakat Khan steadied the ship for them, adding 39 runs in just four overs. Babar hammered the Indian bowlers during his stay, hitting three fours and two gigantic sixes for his well-compiled 35-ball 41.
After Babar fell prey to Ravindra Jadeja, Kinchit Shah, Zeeshan Ali and Scott McKechnie came up with vital contributions of 30, 26 and 16 runs, respectively. However, their valiant efforts could only reduce the deficit as Hong Kong finished at 152 for five in 20 overs.
Four wickets were equally shared by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Avesh Khan, while the remaining dismissal came in the form of a run out.
After Babar fell prey to Ravindra Jadeja, Kinchit Shah, Zeeshan Ali and Scott McKechnie came up with vital contributions of 30, 26 and 16 runs, respectively. However, their valiant efforts could only reduce the deficit as Hong Kong finished at 152 for five in 20 overs.
Four wickets were equally shared by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Avesh Khan, while the remaining dismissal came in the form of a run out.
Babar Hayat: "I think it was a much-needed knock. With a target of around 200, we needed good powerplay, which wasn't the case. Apart from our initial overs, the bowlers couldn't get it quite right at the end overs. We were a bit expensive at the slog overs and I guess it cost us.
But overall happy with the way we played. Apart from death overs, everything was good for us. So, plenty of positives to take from the game. We scored a few runs at the end to get some confidence going into the next match. Indian bowlers bowled well and made the target look even bigger."
But overall happy with the way we played. Apart from death overs, everything was good for us. So, plenty of positives to take from the game. We scored a few runs at the end to get some confidence going into the next match. Indian bowlers bowled well and made the target look even bigger."
Here we come with the presentation ceremony!
Nizakat Khan | Hong Kong Captain: "Ahh, I think the way we started with the ball till the 13th over, it was good. We lost our way in the last few overs and gave too many runs for our liking.
Suryakumar Yadav was very good with the bat. To be honest, it was pleasing to the eyes. But as an opposition, you don't want him scoring. We did play good cricket but hard luck for us.
We are honoured to be playing in the tournament amongst the big teams. It is a good experience playing with these players. Yeah, we will make a good comeback in the next game."
Suryakumar Yadav was very good with the bat. To be honest, it was pleasing to the eyes. But as an opposition, you don't want him scoring. We did play good cricket but hard luck for us.
We are honoured to be playing in the tournament amongst the big teams. It is a good experience playing with these players. Yeah, we will make a good comeback in the next game."
Aizaz Khan gets the catch of the match award.
Rohit Sharma | India Captain: "Yeah, it was an overall good performance from the boys. Yes, almost every box was ticked off but were a bit wayward at the slog-overs tonight. We need to work on that.
Suryakumar, I have no words to explain his batting skills. Some of the shots he plays are nowhere written on the books. It was an excellent batting display from him. The pitch was a bit sticky but the way he adapted to that and scored some unbelievable shots was good to see.
See, the flexibility we get from his really heartening to mention. He can bat at any position and I am happy with his performance. Shot selection was also crucial. We know he can play all around the park. That's the flexibility we need. We'll take those chances. We are going to try and use the right match-ups."
Suryakumar, I have no words to explain his batting skills. Some of the shots he plays are nowhere written on the books. It was an excellent batting display from him. The pitch was a bit sticky but the way he adapted to that and scored some unbelievable shots was good to see.
See, the flexibility we get from his really heartening to mention. He can bat at any position and I am happy with his performance. Shot selection was also crucial. We know he can play all around the park. That's the flexibility we need. We'll take those chances. We are going to try and use the right match-ups."
Suryakumar Yadav is the Player of the Match.
Suryakumar Yadav: "Some of the shots I play are indeed predetermined. In these types of games, you need to think about the shots you play before you execute those. But, you need to be aware of the situation as well. My plan was clear. See the ball and hit the ball.
I needed to express myself and place it in the gap, which I did well. I just loved it. Yeah, I am aware of it. The flexibility you need in the game and every player is happy to perform his role to perfection. Every number I was slatted in to bat, I have enjoyed those moments."
I needed to express myself and place it in the gap, which I did well. I just loved it. Yeah, I am aware of it. The flexibility you need in the game and every player is happy to perform his role to perfection. Every number I was slatted in to bat, I have enjoyed those moments."
Amidst these, the Hong Kong player Kinchit Shah proposes to his girlfriend in the stands and guess what, she agrees!
That's it from our coverage of the high-octane clash between India and Hong Kong from Dubai as India thrash Hong Kong by 40 runs. Ninaad Dixit here signing off on behalf of my co-commentator AkshayaKrishna Polya and scorer/analyst Raju Khariya. Stay tuned for more cricket coverage from across the globe. Stay safe, and take care.