Hong Kong, April 10, 2025 – In a powerful display of aggressive and calculated batting, Hong Kong stormed to a formidable 197/7 in their allotted 20 overs against Qatar in the 4th match of the T20I series, held at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. The high-scoring affair puts Hong Kong firmly in the driver’s seat as Qatar prepares to chase under immense scoreboard pressure.
Having been sent in to bat first after Qatar won the toss, Hong Kong’s top and middle order rose to the occasion, punishing Qatar’s bowlers all over the park. The pitch offered a good balance for batters, and Hong Kong made the most of it with a run rate of 9.85.
Zeeshan Ali and Rath Lead the Charge
The innings kicked off on a positive note with Zeeshan Ali, the wicketkeeper-batter, setting the tone with a quickfire 38 off 25 balls, striking at 152. He smashed five fours and a six before falling to Muhammad Zaman.
Anshuman Rath, one of Hong Kong’s most consistent performers, built a solid foundation with a composed 58 off 42 balls. He rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, notching up four boundaries and one six in the process. Rath’s partnership with Nizakat Khan (7 off 8) helped Hong Kong reach 98/2 by the 11th over.
Middle Order Fireworks and Late Contributions
Skipper Yasim Murtaza contributed a handy 10 off 7 balls, while Babar Hayat played a blazing cameo of 42 from just 23 balls, including four sixes, propelling the hosts toward a near 200-run total.
Even as wickets fell at regular intervals in the latter overs, Ehsan Khan (13 off 5)* and Ayush Shukla (1 off 1)* ensured the innings ended on a high note. Hong Kong’s batters also benefited from Qatar’s ill-discipline, with 16 extras, including 9 wides and 3 no-balls, further boosting the total.
Qatar’s Bowling Woes Continue
Qatar’s bowlers struggled to contain the run flow throughout the innings. While Mohammed Irshad emerged as the most successful bowler with 4 wickets for 24 runs in 3 overs, the rest of the attack lacked consistency.
Muhammad Zaman was economical and effective, taking 2 wickets for 26 runs in his full quota, but Muhammad Ikramullah (2-0-29-0) and Bukhari Munchummal (2-0-26-0) leaked crucial runs at the death.
Their inability to maintain pressure allowed Hong Kong’s batters to capitalize in the middle and final overs, putting Qatar on the back foot even before the chase begins.
Match Situation and What Lies Ahead
With a towering total of 197 on the board, Hong Kong has an estimated 99.5% win probability, leaving Qatar with a mammoth task ahead. To pull off a chase of this magnitude, Qatar will need early partnerships, aggressive intent, and steady nerves—none of which have been consistent hallmarks in their recent T20 outings.
As the break concludes, the spotlight will now shift to Qatar’s batting lineup. Can they defy the odds and script a miraculous chase? Or will Hong Kong’s bowlers wrap things up to notch another win in the series?
