Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
Probably the worst game you could hope for in the need for a competitive match.
Mainly thanks to Sri Lanka’s inept displays, this Asia Cup tournament is bereft of any competitiveness so far. It’s hard to think that the fourth match will be any different.
One thing that could work in Hong Kong’s favour is that India are due to play today and tomorrow, which is incredible considering the heat. Bangladesh and Afghanistan should really be playing tomorrow. Anyway, two days of action in a row in the hot conditions may prompt India to leave a few regular starters out of this one ahead of the Pakistan clash. Like their biggest rivals, India have the opportunity to start the Asia Cup with a big win.
For Hong Kong, they were always going to find things difficult. For a side that reportedly plays four club games in three months, they are on a hiding to nothing, which should make calls louder for more opportunities in between tournaments. In regards to this game, the best one can hope for is a more competitive showing, based on learning from their mistakes against Pakistan.
Key to an India win
It’s easy to focus on a big game vs Pakistan tomorrow, but India need to be switched on here first.
Hong Kong struggled in rotating the strike vs Pakistan, and India have the resources to exploit that. Boasting a spin attack that can trouble any side, the Indians will be aiming to choke the scoring rate and pick up wickets constantly, much like Bangladesh and Afghanistan did to sorry Sri Lanka.
Also, whether India play a full strength batting line up or not, time in the middle is important. For that, India will probably need to hope they bat first, but from an all-round perspective, India need to avoid complacency.
Key to a Hong Kong win
Could you imagine social media if this happens? I’d be on Twitter all day getting no work done!
For Hong Kong to be at all competitive this one, they would love another chance to bat first and this time, get runs on the board. Totals around the 250 mark have proven to be very useful in these conditions, but India are far superior to Sri Lanka as an ODI unit. Nonetheless, players like Anshuman Rath and Kinchit Shah need to build on their starts from the previous game, and hold the innings together.
Also, can Hong Kong’s bowlers dent any confidence of the India batsmen ahead of the Pakistan clash? Eshan Khan and Tanwir Afzal showed good signs against Pakistan, and a repeat effort here will bring joy to the Hong Kong fans.
Possible teams
Given the 40-degree hear, India would be wise to keep some of their first choice players fresh for tomorrow’s game against Pakistan. Rohit Sharma has spoken of his admiration of left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed, who is in line for a debut, with Jasprit Bumrah surely to sit out as he joined the squad yesterday. Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Shardul Thakur and Axar Patel could all get a game as well.
India possible XI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. KL Rahul/Ambati Rayudu, 4. Manish Pandey, 5. MS Dhoni/Dinesh Karthik (wk), 6. Axar Patel, 7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Shardul Thakur, 8. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Khaleel Ahmed, 11. Yuzendra Chahal
Despite being beaten comfortably by Pakistan, Hong Kong could stick with the same team.
Hong Kong possible XI: 1. Nizakat Khan, 2. Anshuman Rath (c), 3. Babar Hayat, 4. Kinchit Shah, 5. Chris Carter, 6. Eshan Khan, 7. Aizaz Khan, 8. Scott McKechnie (wk), 9. Tanwir Afzal, 10. Ehsan Nawz, 11. Nadeem Ahmed
Dream11
This team is not set in stone. A lot will depend on the toss, as well as the team selection, particularly in India’s case.
- MS Dhoni is the wicketkeeping option, provided he plays.
- Rohit Sharma is a great pick, especially if India bat first. I believe both Rayudu and Pandey will get a game. Again, depending on the toss, you can play an extra India bowler if they bowl first.
- Anshuman Rath, Aizaz Khan, Nadeem Ahmed and Eshan Khan are good options for Hong Kong.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are handy picks, as always. In this game, for now, will go with Khaleel Ahmed to have a good debut.
Stats and Facts
- India and Hong Kong have met in one ODI, back in Asia Cup 2008. India won by 256 runs.
- Kuldeep Yadav needs two wickets to reach 50 in ODIs. If he gets there in this game, he will become the second-quickest Indian to the mark (24 matches), behind Ajit Agarkar (23 matches).
- Shikhar Dhawan needs one century to equal Yuvraj Singh’s tally of 14 in ODIs.
Prediction
India to win and qualify for the Super Four stage.
Thanks for reading!
