Pakistan eye super-four spot

Having opened their Asia Cup 2022 campaign with a defeat against India in Dubai last Sunday, Pakistan face Hong Kong today in a must-win match with qualification for the Super 4 stage at stake.

While Pakistan are clear favourites to clear the group stage with a win today in Sharjah, the way Hong Kong played in their first game against India showed they can spring a surprise and challenge any side on a given day.

Hong Kong, who made the main draw after winning all three of their matches in the qualifiers in Oman, had largely kept India in check before losing their way once Suryakumar Yadav started teeing off. Yadav's rapid 68 off 26 helped India post 192 for two, chasing which the 20th ranked T20 side eventually fell short by 40 runs.

Moreover, Pakistan already have few issues in their side which makes things a bit trickier for the Babar Azam-led side. Pakistan pacers Naseem Shah, who debuted against India in their opening game, and Harris Rauf struggled with cramps in the extreme heat in the UAE.

In fact, it was reported that all three pacers, Shahnawaz Dahani, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who played against India, did not partake in Pakistan's training session last Tuesday.

Also, it is expected that Naseem and Rauf will be replaced by Hasan Ali and Muhammad Hasnain for their game against Hong Kong today.

With a few fitness issues in the side and the fact that Pakistan are playing the continental tournament without their main fast bowler in Shaheen Shah Afridi, it was understandable that Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq urged Pakistan to not take Hong Kong lightly.

"No team should be taken lightly," the former skipper was quoted as saying by local news channel.

Inzamam further added that Haider Ali should get a chance in the match against Hong Kong while taking a risk on Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali.