Khaleel Ahmed had a telling introduction to international cricket for India as he extinguished hopes of a fairytale for Hong Kong in the Asia Cup in Dubai.
The little-known left-arm fast bowler took two timely wickets, including that of the outstanding Nizakat Khan, to end the resistance of a side that had been widely written-off after their opening day thrashing by Pakistan.
Hong Kong’s very presence at the Asia Cup had been lampooned by many in cricket’s mainstream on the continent, after their eight-wicket humbling on Sunday.
But the side who had had to qualify to get here, from a six-team tournament in which they were third-highest ranked, shone on the biggest stage.
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Read more:
Asia Cup: Pakistan hand over home-team status to India when rivals clash in Dubai
Explainer: India v Pakistan – all you need to know about the Asia Cup clash
India v Pakistan: Classic moments from matches in UAE
India v Pakistan in UAE: By the numbers
India's Asia Cup talking points: Kohli's absence may be good, may be bad
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Until Nizakat went for 92, one of the most unlikely upsets in the history of one-day international cricket had seemed to be becoming a stronger and stronger possibility.
He put on 174 for Hong Kong’s first wicket with his captain, Anshuman Rath, a 20-year-old opener who has foregone an economics degree to devote himself to cricket.
Once Rath and Nizakat had gone in consecutive overs, though, the life was strangled from Hong Kong’s pursuit of 286 to win. India ended up as 26-run winners.
After the travails they faced on their tour of the UK that preceded the Asia Cup, many of India’s players must have been happy for a change of scenery and format.
None more so than Shikhar Dhawan. The decision to promote the left-handed opener to vice-captain for this tournament was widely queried, given his abject form against England’s bowlers.
He looked like a changed man on his first international appearance in the Emirates. His century was a triumph not just of fine shot-making, but also fitness.
The temperature did not dip below 40 degrees for the 40 overs he was out in the middle. After he had reached three figures, he seemed to be swiping the ball in the same way a star player might once they had reached a respectable score in a charity match. Aim for the ropes, sure. But if it chipped up for a catch, then so be it.
With such a merciless schedule, him being out there for any longer than it took him to make the 127 that he did might have been detrimental. Pakistan are, of course, up next, a day later.
As it was, he had time for a rest in the air-conditioned comfort of Dubai International Stadium’s cavernous dressing rooms, before taking his place in the field for Hong Kong’s reply.
The very first ball of which nearly found him, too. Nizakat flashed at a wide, swinging loosener from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and the edge flew six centimetres – according to a TV graphic - from Dhawan’s outstretched hand at slip.
Nizakat, whose 20-ball innings of 38 in the final of the qualifying competition against UAE was a large reason for Hong Kong being here, was the aggressor again.
His 92 mixed raw power with silky stroke-play. He went to his half-century with an 84 metre six, as Hong Kong took 17 off one over from the beleaguered Shardul Thakur.
Against the seam bowlers, Hong Kong looked confident. But their strike-rate waned against the slow bowlers, and they paid for the pressure that was asserted on them.
Kuldeep Yadav was particularly thrifty, and it was he who dismissed Rath, caught at extra cover by Rohit Sharma for 73.
Khaleel, who was making his debut, then fired out Nizakat and Chris Carter, and the rot had set. Yuzvendra Chahal took three wickets with his leg-spin, and Kuldeep two with his left-arm leg-breaks.
Appropriately, it was left to Khaleel, who ended with three wickets in total, to bowl the final over, and to see the defending champions to an opening win.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Read more about the coronavirus
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
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