What looked like a mismatch on paper between the two sides before the match started proved a reality on the field as Hong Kong, having chosen to bat, were bowled out for just 116, a total that the Pakistanis chased down with ease, with more than half their allotted overs to spare.
Hong Kong’s problems started when opener Nizakat Khan was run out by Shadab Khan in the 5th opener for 13, with captain Anshy Rath then falling for 19. Christopher Carter became the first of Hasan Ali’s two victims, and Shadab struck twice in the 17th over, accounting for both Babar Hayat and Ehsan Khan, as Hong Kong collapsed to 44/4.
Aizaz Khan and Kinchit Shah then put together a 53 run partnership for the 5th wicket, before Usman Khan took three wickets in the same over, Khan, top scoring for Hong Kong, out for 27, and Scott McKechnie and Tanwir Afzal both falling for ducks. Shah then perished for 26 caught by Shadab off the bowling of Hasan, and last man out was Ehsan Nawaz who was run out.
Pakistan cruised to victory, despite losing opener Fakhar Zaman for 24, who was caught behind off Ehsan Khan for 24. He and Imam ul-Haq put on 41 for the first wicket and, after his departure Babar Azam came to the crease as his side continued their largely untroubled progress.
Babar did fall, in the end, in similar fashion to Zaman, caught behind off the bowling of Khan for 33, but the result was not in doubt at that stage. There was still time for Imam to reach his half-century, before Shoaib Malik pulled a short ball over mid-wicket to end the contest, with more than 26 overs to spare.
Usman Khan was named man of the match for his 3 for 19.
Hong Kong next have to face the might of India on Tuesday, who will also be Pakistan’s next opponents the following day.