Kuala Lumpur, August 21, 2024: The Malaysia Tri-Nation T20I Series kicked off with a nail-biting contest at the Selangor Turf Club, where Kuwait secured a hard-fought 4-wicket victory over Hong Kong with 7 balls to spare. Chasing a challenging target of 169, Kuwait displayed composure and resilience, spearheaded by Bilal Tahir’s crucial unbeaten 36 off 23 balls.
Match Report:
Hong Kong, after being put into bat by Kuwait, posted a competitive total of 168/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Nizakat Khan led the charge with a brisk 57 off 35 balls, supported by a powerful 41 off 22 balls from Babar Hayat. However, Kuwait’s bowlers, particularly Adnan Idrees (3/20) and Yasin Patel (1/17), kept the run rate in check and restricted Hong Kong to a total that seemed just within reach.
In response, Kuwait’s chase got off to a shaky start, but key contributions from Clinto Anto (33 off 25 balls) and Bilal Tahir ensured they stayed in the hunt. Despite the pressure applied by Hong Kong’s bowlers, including Ateeq Iqbal (2/26) and Yasim Murtaza (2/36), Kuwait held their nerve. Bilal Tahir’s composed innings saw Kuwait reach 169/6 in 18.5 overs, securing a 4-wicket win in the opening match.
Key Performances:
- Nizakat Khan’s Explosive Start: Nizakat’s 57 off 35 balls set the tone for Hong Kong, laying a solid foundation.
- Adnan Idrees’ Tight Spell: Idrees’ 3/20 played a crucial role in keeping Hong Kong’s total under control.
- Bilal Tahir’s Match-Winning Knock: Tahir’s unbeaten 36 guided Kuwait home, ensuring they clinched victory with time to spare.
Records and Milestones:
- Most Runs Conceded in an Innings for Hong Kong: Ayush Shukla set an unwanted record by conceding 56 runs, surpassing Haroon Arshad’s previous record of 53 runs in a T20I innings for Hong Kong.
- Highest Match Aggregate: The combined total of 337 runs is now the highest match aggregate in T20Is involving Hong Kong and Kuwait.
Brief Scores:
Hong Kong: 168/8 in 20 overs (Nizakat Khan 57, Babar Hayat 41, Adnan Idrees 3/20)
Kuwait: 169/6 in 18.5 overs (Bilal Tahir 36*, Clinto Anto 33, Ateeq Iqbal 2/26)
Result: Kuwait won by 4 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)
Kuwait’s victory in this opening match of the Malaysia Tri-Nation T20I Series sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament. Hong Kong, despite their strong batting performance, will look to bounce back in the upcoming matches.
