Hong Kong captain Nizakat Khan proud of team’s showing vs India with limited resources: We lack the facilities

Hong Kong were defeated by India in their first match of the Asia Cup. The Associate nation gave a good fight against world renowned batters Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli.

Nizakat Khan’s Hong Kong gave a good fight to the Indian team in their first match in the Asia Cup 2022, almost controlling the game for the first 10 overs of the match. Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, Hong Kong unleashed their spin attack which frustrated the likes of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, killing the tempo of the Indian batting line-up.

However, things did not go the same way in the second half of the Hong Kong bowling innings, when Suryakumar Yadav smashed 68* off just 26 balls propelling the Indian score to 192 runs.

Speaking after the game, Hong Kong captain Nizakat Khan spoke about the experience of playing one of the top nations of the world and the challenges that they faced against the Rohit Sharma led side.

"Well you know we don't face this type of pace bowlers especially and even spinners as well in Associate cricket. But you know our cricket is also getting better. Back in Hong Kong we lack facilities as well. But credit goes to the boys and the mindset is like we have to make sure that these games we enjoy ourselves. And the most important thing is that we take, uh, learning from these games."

The captain talked about the team’s plans against the Indian batting line-up and revealed that they wanted to restrict India to 165 runs.

"Well, you know, the way we started our target was to restrict them under 165, 160 to chase the total. And the way we bowled till 13th over, we were going with that. But when Suryakumar came in, you know, he changed the game. So for us, I think we need to make sure that next time, if these types of batsmen come, we need to make sure we need to execute our plans."