Cricket Highlights, April 13: Quadrangular Twenty20 Series (3rd place play-off) – HKG vs QAT

HKG vs QAT (3rd place play-off) – Highlights

In a pulsating encounter at Mong Kok on April 13, 2025, Hong Kong edged past Qatar by a solitary run to secure third place in the Quadrangular T20 Series. The match had everything a cricket fan could hope for — a commanding knock, a flurry of sixes, and a nerve-racking finish that went down to the wire.

HKG, opting to bat first, got off to a steady start before the star of the show, Anshy Rath, took center stage. Rath’s masterclass innings of 97 off 60 balls was the backbone of Hong Kong’s innings. He struck 10 boundaries and cleared the rope three times, holding the innings together with composure and flair.

Although he fell 3 runs short of a well-deserved century, he produced an excellent knock and was awarded Player of the Match last night. Nizakat Khan made 27 runs off 26 balls, while Babar Hayat scored a rapid 17. Despite their contributions, however, wickets fell at regular intervals, and Hong Kong could not fully capitalize on the decent foundation set by Rath. They finished on 188 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.

The QAT bowlers had mixed fortunes. Muhammad Jabir was the pick, taking 2 for 29 in his four overs. Bipin Kumar and Mohammed Irshad chipped in with a wicket each, but Qatar were left to rue the 17 extras they conceded, including 13 wides.

Chasing 189 for victory, QAT innings had its own dramatic turns. They lost Rifayi Theruvath early for 12, but Arumugaganesh Nagarajan and skipper Ikramullah Khan steadied the ship with a valuable 59-run partnership. Ikramullah played an impressive captain’s knock, scoring 55 from just 35 balls, blending aggression with elegance. But it was wicketkeeper Shahzaib Jamil who brought Qatar back into contention with a blazing 44 off 20 balls, peppering the boundary with two fours and five massive sixes.

The match boiled down to the final over with Qatar needing 10 runs. Shahzaib’s dismissal in the penultimate over proved crucial. Despite Jassim Khan’s quickfire 20 off 7 balls, Hong Kong managed to hold their nerve, limiting Qatar to 187 for 5, falling agonizingly short of the target by just one run.

Yasim Murtaza, although expensive, picked up two wickets including the crucial breakthroughs of Nagarajan and Jamil. Nasrulla Rana, Ateeq Iqbal, and Ehsan Khan took one wicket apiece, but it was Ayush Shukla’s economical spell of 4 overs for just 14 runs that created pressure throughout the innings, proving vital in such a high-scoring game.

This nail-biting win gives HKG a confidence boost as they close out the tournament on a high, while Qatar, despite the loss, can take pride in their spirited chase and competitive performances.

Hong Kong vs Qatar Scoreboard 

Hong Kong – 188/6 (20)

Qatar – 187/5 (20)

Result – Hong Kong won by 1 run

Player of the Match – Anshy Rath

HKG vs QAT Playing XIs

Hong Kong: Yasim Murtaza (c), Anshy Rath, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Nizakat Khan, Babar Hayat, Shahid Wasif, Waqas Barkat, Ateeq Iqbal, Nasrulla Rana, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla

Qatar: Ikramullah Khan (c), Shahzaib Jamil (wk), Rifayi Theruvath, Arumugaganesh Nagarajan, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, Jassim Khan, Mohammed Irshad, Bipin Kumar, Muhammad Jabir, Mohammad Abrar, Bukhar Illikkal

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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