KARACHI, June 24: Unheralded Hong Kong produced a stunning performance on the opening day of the ninth Asia Cup limited-overs tournament as Pakistan batting suffered sudden middle-order capitulation in their Group ‘B’ opener here at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Nadeem Ahmed, a 21-year-old Multan-born slow left-armer, led Hong Kong’s unexpected domination by taking four wickets in 20 balls to leave Pakistan in real mess at 150 for six in the 26th over after Shoaib Malik had called correctly at the toss.

Sensible approach from youngsters Fawad Alam and Sohail Tanvir, who combined to add 100 for the eighth wicket while helping themselves to career-best scores, firmly tilted the balance in Pakistan’s favour at 288-9 at the belated dinner break.

However, it could have been a different story altogether for the hosts when experienced campaigners Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi all fell prey to Nadeem in quick succession.

However, common sense finally prevailed when Sohail joined fellow left-hander Fawad, the last of the recognised batsmen, who earned an overdue promotion in the ranks. Their resourceful stand, lasting 102 deliveries, ensured Pakistan utilised the full quota of their overs after looking in danger of being bowled out when recalled wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed was horribly run out in the 30th over in a mix-up with Fawad.

The nightmarish defeat at the hands of Ireland at the 2007 World Cup must have hit some of the players in the Pakistan dressing-room at that time.

Sohail, who has the potential to become a genuine all-rounder, played the role of an aggressor as he struck six boundaries in making 59 off 55 deliveries.

The watchful Fawad’s reward for batting with the tail was a workmanlike contribution of 63 off 77 balls. The 22-year-old showed great temperament when the chips were down as he negotiated 59 balls before striking the first of the three fours in his innings.

Umar Gul helped Fawad towards his maiden half-century in international cricket before he was caught in the deep by Nadeem, whose fine effort provided younger brother Irfan his second wicket of the innings.

Hong Kong couldn’t have asked for a better start when the in-form Salman Butt nicked the third ball of the match into wicket-keeper James Atkinson’s safe pouch.

Malik, who promoted himself to open in place of axed wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, batted freely after a cautious beginning to slam six boundaries in 11 balls before slicing a catch to point after making 35 off only 32 deliveries.

Younis kept the tempo up as Yousuf got used to the hot and humid conditions. The familiar sight of Younis and Yousuf somehow inspired Hong Kong captain Tabarak Dar, who showed a lot of keenness and marshalled his field intelligently. His decision to bring on Nadeem soon paid off as first Yousuf (leading edge to an attempted sweep) and then Younis went back to the hut.

After being struck for the only six of the Pakistan innings, Nadeem forced Younis to play down wrong line and had the star batsman stumped. Misbah, a fine player of spin, misread an incoming delivery and was correctly adjudged leg-before-wicket by New Zealand umpire Tony Hill.

Afridi continued his lean run with the bat when he lobbed a return catch to Nadeem, who finished with praiseworthy figures of four for 51.

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