Pakistan too good for Hong Kong in warm-up T20

DUBAI: Pakistan proved too good for Hong Kong on Monday, beating the minnows by 64 runs in Dubai in a Twenty20 warm-up for their three-match series against England starting this week.

Pakistan rode on a brilliant 38-ball 55 from wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who smashed two sixes and five boundaries in the match played at the International Cricket Council academy.

All-rounder Amir Yamin struck three sixes in his 13-ball 27 while Sohaib Maqsood and opener Rafatullah Mohmand chipped in with 25 each.

For Hong Kong, paceman Haseeb Amhad was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-38.

Hong Kong, who have qualified for the World Twenty20 to be held in India in March and April, could not cope with the spin of Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi (2-21) and Bilal Asif (2-13) and were bowled out for 103 in 17.1 overs.

Mark Chapman fought the lone battle for Hong Kong with a 39-ball 50 studded with two sixes and five boundaries.

England will play the United Arab Emirates in a warm-up Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi later on Monday.

Pakistan and England will play Twenty20 internationals in Dubai (November 26 and 27) and in Sharjah (November 30).