Hong Kong Battles to 143/7 Against Bangladesh in Thrilling Asia Cup Clash
In a gripping Asia Cup Group B match at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong put up a fighting total of 143 for 7 in their 20 overs against Bangladesh. Despite a shaky start, key knocks from Nizakat Khan (42) and Zeeshan Ali (30) kept their hopes alive on Thursday.
Hong Kong, who were asked to bat first, found it tough against Bangladesh’s tight bowling in the powerplay. The Tigers dominated early, but Nizakat and Zeeshan built a crucial 41-run partnership for the third wicket. This stand helped Hong Kong avoid another batting collapse like the one they suffered against Afghanistan earlier in the tournament.
Captain Yasim Murtaza brought some fireworks with a quick 28 off just 19 balls, smashing boundaries and sixes to inject pace. However, a late rush of wickets stopped Hong Kong from crossing the 150 mark. Bangladesh’s bowlers shone bright, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed each grabbing two wickets.
Taskin struck first, dismissing opener Anshuman Rath for a duck. Rath edged a full delivery while driving, and after an initial not-out call, Bangladesh’s review confirmed the nick via UltraEdge. Rath has now been caught behind in consecutive games.
Tanzim then rattled Hong Kong by yorking Babar Hayat, leaving them at 34 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. Zeeshan struggled initially, scoring just 8 off 22 balls, but he woke up with two fours and a six against Mahedi Hasan and Rishad.
After the drinks break, Tanzim removed Zeeshan for 30 off 34 balls. A back-of-a-length ball hurried onto him, and the thick edge flew to Mustafizur Rahman at slip.
Murtaza fired up the innings next, driving Rishad for four and pulling Tanzim and Mahedi for massive sixes. He and Nizakat both picked fours off Taskin, but a mix-up led to Murtaza’s run-out for his brisk 28.
Nizakat kept the momentum going, slicing Mustafizur for four and launching Rishad for six over long-off. But trying for another big hit, he holed out to long-on off Rishad for 42 off 40 balls. Kinchit Shah and Aizaz Khan fell soon after, wrapping up Hong Kong’s innings.
Bangladesh bowled smartly to restrict the Associate side. Now, the Tigers will chase 144 to strengthen their position in Asia Cup 2023 Group B.
Brief Scores: Hong Kong 143/7 in 20 overs (Nizakat Khan 42, Zeeshan Ali 30, Yasim Murtaza 28; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2/21, Rishad Hossain 2/31, Taskin Ahmed 2/??) vs Bangladesh.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
