Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup | Match 9 | Afghanistan "A" vs Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong secured a nail-biting 5-wicket victory against Afghanistan A in the 9th match of the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. Anas Khan's all-round brilliance led Hong Kong to a dramatic win with just three balls to spare, after Afghanistan A was bowled out for 131.

Afghanistan A, having won the toss and opting to bat first, struggled against Hong Kong's disciplined bowling. Sediqullah Atal provided a glimmer of hope with a brisk 52 off 41 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. Anas Khan wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming a career-best 6-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 3.5 overs, 12 runs, and 6 wickets.

Wickets fell at regular intervals, with none of the Afghan middle-order batters managing to stay long at the crease. Captain Darwish Rasooli (18 off 19) and Karim Janat (21 off 20) contributed, but Afghanistan A could only manage 131 before being bowled out in 19.5 overs. Anas Khan was well-supported by Ateeq Iqbal and Ehsan Khan, who picked up one wicket each.

Chasing 132, Hong Kong endured some early stumbles. Afghanistan A's Abdul Rahman and Qais Ahmad put them under pressure by dismissing Zeeshan Ali (12) and Anshuman Rath (0) within the first four overs. Captain Nizakat Khan looked dangerous with a quick-fire 61 off 53 balls, featuring 5 boundaries and 3 sixes, before falling to Qais Ahmad.

The turning point came with Babar Hayat's measured 39 from 37 deliveries, stabilizing the innings. His dismissal, stumped by Numan Shah off Qais Ahmad, left Hong Kong at 113-4 in the 18th over, but the chase was wrapped up by Martin Coetzee (15*) and Nasrulla Rana (2*), who guided their team home with three balls remaining.

Despite Afghanistan A's spirited bowling effort, Hong Kong’s deep batting lineup prevailed, with Anas Khan’s contribution with the ball proving to be the decisive factor in the game.

Anas Khan was rightfully named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, claiming 6 wickets and single-handedly breaking the backbone of Afghanistan A’s batting order.

Hong Kong’s victory now strengthens their position in Group A, as they continue their march towards the knockout stage of the tournament. Afghanistan A, meanwhile, will need to regroup after this defeat as they face tough competition ahead.

Match Summary:

• Afghanistan A: 131 all out in 19.5 overs (Sediqullah Atal 52, Anas Khan 6/12)
• Hong Kong: 133/5 in 19.3 overs (Nizakat Khan 61, Qais Ahmad 2/18)
• Result: Hong Kong won by 5 wickets
• Player of the Match: Anas Khan