Malaysia open Asian Games campaign with convincing win over Hong Kong, China

Malaysia registered a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Hong Kong, China in the first Group B game of the Asian Games at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. Pavandeep Singh and Muhammad Amir Azim's three-wicket hauls helped Malaysia keep their opponents to 81 runs, and Virandeep Singh and Muhamad Syahadat's composed 70-run partnership helped them win in just 12 overs.

When Hong Kong, China decided to bat first, things went wrong. After experienced campaigners Anshuman Rath and Babar Hayat fell in the first and second overs, respectively, they got off to a slow start. Nizakat Khan and Shiv Mathur's 19-run partnership provided a brief respite, but Pavandeep's triple-wicket maiden in the sixth over sent Hong Kong, China into a tailspin.

They played out another maiden after completing the Powerplay with just 31 for 5. As the batters attempted to stabilize the situation, progress was slow, but their efforts were in vain as Muhammad Amir ended a 34-ball, 18-run stand between Shiv Mathur and Ehsan Khan. Malaysia’s dexterity in the field coupled with the regular fall of wickets meant that Hong Kong, China dragged themselves to 81/9 after 20 overs.

In response, Muhammad Haziq Aiman got the game off to a good start by scoring two goals in the first over. After that, Nasrulla Rana gave his team a chance by throwing out both of the openers in three balls. While the next two overs yielded just one run, Malaysia could afford to take their time with there being no scoreboard pressure. Virandeep Singh hit Yasim Murtaza for a six in the fifth over after settling in.

Malaysia continued to play risk-free cricket after reaching 33 for 2 at the conclusion of the Powerplay. The floodgates opened in the 11th over with Syahadat smashing consecutive sixes off Mohammad Ghazanfar. In the following over, Syahadat hit another boundary, and Virandeep ended the chase with a four and a six.

China will next take on Oman, along with Malaysia and Hong Kong.