Asia Cup 2018: Aakash Chopra learned a lesson after Hong Kong's gutsy show against India

The match between India and Hong Kong yesterday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium was earlier speculated to be a one-sided affair. However, Hong Kong ran the Men in Blue close and eventually lost by 26 runs to spiritedly bow out of the 2018 Asia Cup. Batting first, India, courtesy of right-hander Shikhar Dhawan’s century, racked up 285 runs in their 50 overs.

Ambati Rayudu also scored a gutsy 60 from 70 balls to put India in a position of command in the 41st over. But the likes of Kinchit Shah picked up some late wickets to disallow the Indians from stepping on the gas in the death overs. During the run-chase, Hong Kong kept India at bay for a significant amount of time. Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath made played out 34 overs.

Hong Kong gives India a run for their money

The duo put on 174 runs and gave their team hope of pulling off a massive upset. However, Kuldeep Yadav nipped out the opposition captain and the wicket marked India’s final comeback. In the very next over, Khaleel Ahmed picked up his maiden wicket in the form of Nizakat. Thereafter, the likes of Kinchit, Babar Hayat and Ehsan Khan tried their hearts out but in vain.

In the meantime, Aakash Chopra, the cricketer turned commentator, reckoned that India will be the first team to score 300 plus runs in the event. Prior to the match, he wrote, “Obviously Hong Kong want their Asia Cup to last a little longer…..in terms of hours on the ground. First team to field first after winning the toss…first 300+ score coming our way. #IndvHK.”

Here is Chopra’s pre-match tweet

Obviously Hong Kong want their Asia Cup to last a little longer…..in terms of hours on the ground. First team to field first after winning the toss…first 300+ score coming our way. #IndvHK

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 18, 2018

However, after Hong Kong’s masterful display in all the departments, he apologised to the team. He wrote, “Sincere apologies @CricketHK Underestimated your resolve. Lessons learnt. Go well in the future.”

Here is Chopra’s post-match tweet

Sincere apologies @CricketHK Underestimated your resolve. Lessons learnt. Go well in the future. 😊🙌🙏 https://t.co/mBio0I8WpV

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 18, 2018

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