India’s 2018 Asia Cup clash against Hong Kong, China, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was meant to be a straightforward opener. Rohit Sharma led the side in Virat Kohli’s absence, and after being asked to bat first, India’s innings began shakily with the early loss of their skipper. However, Shikhar Dhawan’s sublime century (127) and Ambati Rayudu’s composed fifty put India in control. But after their dismissals, the momentum slowed, and the packed Dubai crowd erupted when MS Dhoni strode to the crease.
Among those on the field was Hong Kong spinner Ehsan Khan, stationed at short fine leg, dreaming of dismissing a legend. Moments later, he lived that dream. Bowling a sharp delivery, Ehsan found Dhoni’s edge, and wicketkeeper Scott McKechnie completed a clean catch.
“The crowd was chanting Dhoni’s name loudly, and I thought, ‘If I get him out, it’ll be something special.’ And then it happened,” Ehsan Khan recalled in an exclusive chat with News18 CricketNext. “The way Dhoni walked off without waiting for the umpire—that’s the kind of person he is. After the match, I received messages from across the globe. Dismissing Dhoni was a career highlight.”
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Seven years later, Dhoni has retired from international cricket but continues to thrill fans in the IPL. Ehsan, now 40, remains Hong Kong’s senior-most cricketer, driven by Dhoni’s advice: “Age is just a number.” The veteran, who moved from Rawalpindi to Hong Kong in 2012, has since represented his adopted nation in 15 ODIs and 94 T20Is.
In 2024, Ehsan Khan became one of the fastest bowlers to claim 100 T20I wickets, achieving the milestone in 71 innings, equaling Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf. He also ranked fourth for most wickets in a calendar year, bagging 46 scalps.
“Every achievement is special, but team success matters more,” Ehsan Khan said. “My family was proud of that milestone, and I’m grateful to represent Hong Kong.”
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His admiration for Dhoni remains unmatched, with plans to dedicate a chapter of his upcoming book to the legendary Indian captain. “Meeting and dismissing Dhoni was unforgettable. I also admire Virat Kohli, who once praised my bowling, and Babar Azam, whom I’ve dismissed twice,” he said.
Hong Kong, often labeled as underdogs, aim to make an impact at the Asia Cup 2025, where they’ll face Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in Group B. Ehsan singled out Afghanistan as a key challenge: “They’ve improved massively, but we’ve beaten them thrice before. We’ll give them a tough fight.”
