Underdog Hong Kong won the toss and elected to field against mighty India in the Asia Cup yesterday.
Hong Kong qualified for the Asia Cup after winning all three of its games in Oman including against favorite United Arab Emirates.
“In Oman, we were good chasers, so we wanted to do that,” Hong Kong skipper Nizakat Khan said at the toss. “Last time, we had a good game against India and we want to do the same.”
Nizakat was referring to the Asia Cup game between the two countries when India won a hard-fought group game by 26 runs at the same Dubai International Stadium four years ago. However, that tournament was played on ODI format.
India defeated arch-rival Pakistan in its opening Group A game and victory on Wednesday will lift it to the top of the group, going into the Super 4 stage.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya, who played a pivotal role in India’s win over Pakistan, was rested and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was included in the playing XI.
Afghanistan has already made it to the Super 4 stage from Group B, defeating both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. MDT/AP
