All-round Afzal leads HK to massive win

Tanwir Afzal blitzed Hong Kong to a comfortable 146-run win against UAE with a 33-ball 73 in Dubai. Coming in with his side precariously placed at 159 for 6 after 37 overs, Afzal turned the match in Hong Kong's favour as he propelled the total to 282 for 8. He smashed seven sixes and one four in his innings and also formed a 101-run, eighth-wicket stand with Aizaz Khan, who contributed a 31-ball 37.

Earlier, Hong Kong chose to bat and were given a solid start by their openers Anshuman Rath (53) and Waqas Barkat (27) who added 63 in 15 overs. However, the UAE bowlers chipped away at the wickets and also effected three run-outs to stall he charge of Hong Kong's middle order. Zaheer Maqsood picked up two wickets and left-arm spinner Ahmed Raza was the most economical bowler with figures of 1 for 35 in his 10 overs.

UAE's chase was dented from the start and the team never recovered from a barrage of early wickets, with Afzal also causing the damage with the ball as he picked up three top-order wickets to reduce UAE to 38 for 4.

Shaiman Anwar held one end up with a solid 71 but could not find able support as wickets frequently tumbled. UAE were bundled out for 146 in the 41st over, with Afzal and Nadeem Ahmed picking up three wickets apiece.