Pakistan will feature in the opening match of Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2018 on December 6 against Hong Kong at National Stadium in Karachi.

On the same day, Bangladesh will play against UAE at Southend Ground Club.

Pakistan — who are co-hosting the tournament with Sri Lanka — will be led by wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan — who was glad about getting the opportunity to play at home soil with international cricketers.  

“I would like to welcome all teams who are visiting Pakistan,” said Rizwan during a press conference ahead of the tournament opener. “We are happy that we are playing with international cricketers on home soil.”

Eight teams namely Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, India, Oman, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates (UAE) will participate in the tournament.

The teams have been divided into two groups, wherein Group ‘A’ — which includes Sri Lanka, India, Afghanistan and Oman — matches will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka from December 7, 2018, whereas Group ‘B’ — which includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and UAE — matches will be played in Karachi from December 6, 2018.

The Group ‘B’ matches of Pakistan leg will be played in two venues of Karachi i.e. National Stadium and Southend Ground Club.  

On December 7, Pakistan will play against UAE whereas on December 9, Pakistan will feature against Bangladesh — with both matches taking place at National Stadium in Karachi.

The final of the tournament will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka on December 15, 2018.