Rohit Sharma will be reminded of the anxiety his squad had during the group stage of the 2018 event, when the minnows came dangerously close to toppling India before losing by 26 runs, as the Hong Kong team prepares to play India in the Asia Cup later on Wednesday.
In the Group A match of the 2018 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium, Rohit Sharma's India scored 285/7 in 50 overs (the competition was a 50-over-a-side affair until 2018), helped by a century from opener Shikhar Dhawan. However, Hong Kong, riding on half-centuries from openers Nizakat Khan (92) and Anshy Rath (73), were cruising along comfortably at 174 without loss when losing wickets in a heap cost them the match.
However, the side has faced difficulties ever since, made worse by the pandemic, and is primarily made up of Pakistani expats.
When they play India on Wednesday and Pakistan on September 2 in their Asia Cup Group A matches here, they will be eager to bounce back from the setbacks of the previous four years since the 2018 Asia Cup and once again demonstrate that they are a force to be reckoned with.
In a gruelling three months of cricket played throughout the world, Nizakat Khan's team has been put to the test, and losses are by no means a lock for a team known for pulling surprises.
Eight years ago, when they defeated Bangladesh in the first round of the 2014 T20 World Cup, Hong Kong achieved its best success in the T20 International format.
Nizakat, who captured 3/19 as Bangladesh collapsed to 108 all out, was crucial to the unexpected victory. The pursuit by Hong Kong was far from simple, but a renowned triumph was secured because to the heavy hitting of Munir Dar and Haseeb Amjad.
Then came the 2018 Asia Cup match versus India, where they nearly defeated the Men in Blue. Twelve players from that match are still on the roster as the league switches to the T20 format, which might enable Hong Kong to put up a strong fight against India.
Nizakat has been playing well lately, scoring runs in two of the three victories in the Asia Cup Qualifier and hitting a couple of half-centuries at the most recent T20 World Cup Qualifier B. Vice-captain Kinchit Shah and top-order batsman Babar Hayat are both dependable with the bat and the ball.
In terms of Hong Kong's upcoming crop, there are more causes for optimism. According to ICC, Yasim Murtaza, 19, has made an impact in both white-ball forms since joining the team earlier this year, while 19-year-old Ayush Shukla represents the team's future.
Hong Kong is likely to have the same starting lineup that defeated UAE at Al Amerat in the Asia Cup Qualifier's championship game to earn a place in the main event.