Asia Cup 2022, PAK vs HK: The Problems to mend for Pakistan

Do or die match for Pakistan (PC: Twitter)

After losing the first match of Asia Cup 2022 to their arch rivals, India, Pakistan find themselves in a tricky situation. In their second group match they will be facing Hong Kong and it is a must win game for Pakistan to stay in the race for the title. 

What were the problems Pakistan faced against India and how should they approach in this must win match?

Look for a better start

Babar and Rizwan, the mainstays of Pakistan batting

In the match against India, Pakistan lost their mainstay of the batting Babar Azam within the powerplay. They were able to manage just 43 runs in the phase. 

So, in today’s match Pakistan will look to get a better start and will be depending largely on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to bat dynamically but for a stretched period of time at the beginning of the innings. 

A better Middle Phase

Fakhar Zaman will be important for the Pakistan middle order

After a timid start against India, they recovered a bit at the initial phases of the middle overs. From 7-12th over Pakistan managed to score 44 runs without losing a wicket. But in the next 8 overs they scored 60 runs and lost 8 wickets. It was one of the main reasons they had to settle for a par score of 147 runs.

This will be an area Pakistan need to surely look out for in today's match.

Over dependence on Naseem Shah in bowling

Naseem was exceptional against India

Against India Naseem Shah did wonders. He got the wicket of KL Rahul in the first over and had India on the back foot. But towards the end when he started to struggle with cramps the match gradually slipped away from Pakistan. 

This is an area they will have to mend, Pakistan need to look for bowlers who could be a supporting act for Naseem Shah.  

X-Factor

The young shoulders of Naseem Shah will have the responsibility of Pakistan bowling

If we talk about X-factor, the Hong Kong batting line up gave a good fight against the Indian bowling line up. But Naseem Shah with the new ball might be a different level of challenge for the minnows. Hence, Pakistan’s X-factor in the bowling effort might be Naseem Shah for the day. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: BAN vs AFG: Game Plan: Areas to target for Afghanistan against Bangladesh