Selangor Turf Club, Kuala Lumpur – Kuwait secured a nail-biting 2-wicket win against Hong Kong in the 4th match of the Malaysia Tri-Nation T20I Series, held on August 24, 2024. The match saw Kuwait chase down Hong Kong’s total of 144/6 with just three balls to spare, thanks to a match-winning knock from Bilal Tahir.
Hong Kong, after electing to bat first, posted 144/6 in their 20 overs. Nizakat Khan led the charge with a quickfire 61 off 40 balls, supported by Babar Hayat’s 27. However, Kuwait’s bowlers, particularly Mohamed Shafeeq and Shiraz Khan, managed to keep the scoring in check, with Shafeeq taking 2/16 in his four overs.
In response, Kuwait’s chase wobbled with regular wickets falling, but a crucial 38 off 18 balls from Bilal Tahir turned the tide in Kuwait’s favor. Ehsan Khan’s 4/22 gave Hong Kong hope, but Tahir’s late blitz ensured Kuwait crossed the finish line with three balls remaining.
Key Records in the Match:
- This match produced the lowest match aggregate (289) involving Hong Kong and Kuwait in T20Is.
Brief Scores:
Hong Kong: 144/6 in 20 overs (Nizakat Khan 61, Babar Hayat 27; Mohamed Shafeeq 2/16, Shiraz Khan 2/41)
Kuwait: 145/8 in 19.3 overs (Bilal Tahir 38, Ravija Sandaruwan 42; Ehsan Khan 4/22, Yasim Murtaza 2/13)
Result: Kuwait won by 2 wickets (with 3 balls remaining).Player of the Match: Bilal Tahir (Kuwait) – 38 (18) & 1 catch.
