In the Match 4 of Asia Cup 2018, Shikhar Dhawan hits his 14th century to help India post 285/7 while Rayudu scores 60 runs.
Earlier, Hong Kong won the toss and asked India to bat first. The Indian openers, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma (23) and Shikhar Dhawan (127), gave a good start to the Men in Blue. Chasing a target of 286 runs to win, Hong Kong made a cautious start to their innings, coupled with India's misfielding chaos.
Slowly and steadily, Rath (73) and Nizakat (92) made runs and piled pressure on the Indian bowlers, that had an inexperienced line-up, barring Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinning duo Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who were struggling to pick up wickets.
However, much to everyone's relief, Kuldeep drew first blood for the Men in Blue at the 34th over, accounting for Rath, who holed out at extra cover. In the next over, Nizakat was sent back to the pavilion by debutant Khaleel Ahmed, who trapped him in front to end the former's innings with a patient but well-made 92 runs.
Hong Kong's middle and lower orders then frittered away the advantage set up by the openers as Indian bowlers, led by Khaleel and Chahal, continued to get breakthroughs at regular intervals. From 174 for 0, Hong Kong lost their way and huffed and puffed past the 250-run mark, eventually finishing at 259 for 8 in 50 overs.
