India took on Hong Kong in their second match of the Asia Cup 2022 on Wednesday at Dubai Stadium. And this match saw two brilliant innings from Indian batters that totally changed the game. Suryakumar Yadav once again showed why he is known as India’s “Mr. 360”. However, fans also witnessed glimpses of the old Virat Kohli.
All in all, India was too good for Hong Kong and won the match by 40 runs. With this win, India became the second team to qualify for the Super Four stage of the tournament. Hong Kong won the toss and decided to bowl first. India had a pretty slow start and skipper Rohit Sharma got out after scoring 21 off 13 balls.
KL Rahul looked rusty and his struggle ended with 36 runs off 39 balls, which brought Suryakumar Yadav to the crease. After that, the real beating started. He, along with Virat, added an unbeaten 98 runs for the third wicket off just 42 balls.
Virat Kohli brought off the first half-century of this tournament in 40 balls. On the other hand, SKY brought up a quick fifty off just 22 balls and smashed the bowlers to all parts of the ground. Thus, India made 192/2 in their 20 overs and scored 72 runs in the last five overs.
SKY was unbeaten on 68* off just 26 balls, with six fours and six maximums. Virat was unbeaten on 59* off 44, including one four and three sixes. Hong Kong tried hard and managed to get to 152/5 in their 20 overs and lost the match by 40 runs. SKY won the “Man of the Match” award for his brilliant fifty.
Asia Cup 2022: Hong Kong’s humble gesture for Virat Kohli
The former Indian skipper brought up his 31st T20I half-century and equaled the record of most fifties in the format. He started his innings slowly but picked up the pace very well. Many fans who were waiting for his runs looked happy after his knock on Wednesday.
After winning the match, even the opposition team, Hong Kong, showed a heart-winning gesture towards the former Indian captain. They gifted him a team jersey with a beautiful message written on it. The message was, “Virat, Thank you for inspiring a generation. We stand with you. There are many incredible days ahead. With Strength. With Love. Team Hong Kong.”
It touched Virat so much that he took to his Instagram handle and thanked the Hong Kong team for this special gift. Kohli wrote, “Virat, Thank you for inspiring a generation. We stand with you.”Thank you Hong Kong Cricket. This gesture is truly humbling and very very sweet.”
India has qualified for the next round and has topped the group. Now Pakistan and Hongkong will play against each other on Friday, which will decide the second team from this group for the next round. Whoever wins that match will face India on Sunday. Pakistan is expected to win the match and will face India again on Sunday.
Who has scored the most half-centuries in T20Is?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have both scored 31 half-centuries.
Is Virat Kohli back in form?
He looked good against Hong Kong and scored an unbeaten 59* runs. His innings showed some glimpses of old Virat Kohli.
Who will win the Asia Cup 2022?
India is the defending champions so without a doubt they are the favorite to win the Asia Cup.
How many runs did Virat Kohli score against Hong Kong?
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 59* runs off 44 balls with one four and three sixes.