Kuwait Clinches Title with 8-Wicket Victory Over Hong Kong, China
KUALA LUMPUR — In a thrilling finale at the KCC T20I Tri Nations Cup 2024, Kuwait powered past Hong Kong, China by 8 wickets to secure the championship. Ravija Sandaruwan stole the show with a scintillating unbeaten century, leading his team to chase down the target of 147 with ease. Sandaruwan’s explosive 102* off just 48 balls sealed the win for Kuwait in only 13.5 overs.
Hong Kong, China set a competitive total of 146/5 in their 20 overs, with notable contributions from Zeeshan Ali (50) and Nizakat Khan (48). However, it was not enough to stop Kuwait, whose batsmen, led by Sandaruwan, made light work of the chase.
Match Report:
Hong Kong, China Innings: Hong Kong, China opted to bat first and posted a total of 146/5. Zeeshan Ali anchored the innings with a 39-ball 50, supported by Nizakat Khan’s 48 off 39 balls. Despite their efforts, Kuwait’s disciplined bowling restricted further damage. Yasin Patel was the pick of the bowlers for Kuwait, taking 2/25 in his 4 overs.
Kuwait Innings: In reply, Kuwait’s chase was dominated by Ravija Sandaruwan, who smashed 102* from 48 deliveries, hitting 9 fours and 7 sixes. His onslaught, alongside quickfire cameos from Clinto Anto (19) and Meet Bhavsar (21), ensured that Kuwait overhauled the target with 37 balls to spare. Sandaruwan’s innings also set new records, making him the player of the match and cementing his place as Kuwait’s leading T20I run-scorer.
Key Records:
- Most Runs in Boundaries in an Innings for Kuwait: Ravija Sandaruwan with 78 runs in boundaries, surpassing his own record of 74.
- Most Fifty-Plus Scores for Kuwait in T20Is: Sandaruwan now has 11 such scores, breaking Meet Bhavsar’s record.
- Most Catches by a Fielder for Hong Kong, China in T20Is: Babar Hayat now holds the record with 45 catches, surpassing Nizakat Khan’s 44.
Brief Scores:
Hong Kong, China: 146/5 in 20 overs (Zeeshan Ali 50, Nizakat Khan 48; Yasin Patel 2/25)
Kuwait: 147/2 in 13.5 overs (Ravija Sandaruwan 102*, Meet Bhavsar 21; Yasim Murtaza 1/47)
Result: Kuwait beat Hong Kong, China by 8 wickets.
Player of the Match: Ravija Sandaruwan (Kuwait) – 102* (48)
Player of the Series: Nizakat Khan (Hong Kong, China)
