I think Hong Kong have already exceeded expectations: Wasim Jaffer

Hong Kong are facing off against Pakistan in the decisive clash for the last remaining Super Four spot. Although Pakistan are favorites to overcome their opponents in the match, Hong Kong have displayed that they are capable of pulling off a huge upset. Former Indian opening batter Wasim Jaffer praised the Hong Kong team and feels they have exceeded the expectations by qualifying for the tournament.

Hong Kong were dispatched comfortably by a dominant Indian side in their opening fixture but the minnows had a few bright spots of their own in the game. Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer praised the associate nation in a conversation with CricTracker on BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti show, and stated that they have already exceeded their expectations by qualifying for the main tournament by winning the qualifiers.

"I think Hong Kong has already expectations because if we talk about the Asia Cup qualifiers, UAE were the favorites for the tournament. So, in my opinion, they have already exceeded the expectations by defeating UAE and making it through to the main tournament. Now is the time for them to express themselves and enjoy their cricket. They have earned the right to play big matches against Pakistan and India. They should go out there and enjoy their cricket now without feeling any pressure," Jaffer said to CricTracker.

Wasim Jaffer praised Babar Hayat for his contribution to the Hong Kong team

Jaffer also praised the swashbuckling Hong Kong batter Babar Hayat, who is the second leading run-scorer in Asia Cup T20Is since 2016, behind Virat Kohli. The hard-hitting batter played an impressive knock of 41 runs, launching a scathing assault on the Indian pacers, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan in the powerplay overs.

"He looks like a good player the way he played against a quality Indian bowling attack and also in the qualifiers. His contribution was significant for Hong Kong in the qualifiers and played a major role in his team's qualification for the Asia Cup 2022," Jaffer added.