Qatar edged out Hong Kong in a nail-biting 1st T20I Qatar vs Hong Kong in Doha, clinching a thrilling victory by just 6 runs in the opening match of the series. The match delivered classic T20 cricket drama, with strong performances from both sides and momentum shifting frequently throughout the contest.
Qatar vs Hong Kong: Match Overview
Played at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on November 12, 2025, this fixture brought together two rising sides in Asian cricket. Qatar, winning the toss, chose to bat first and managed to set a competitive total, thanks to a mix of gritty individual knocks and Hong Kong’s disciplined bowling. Despite wickets tumbling, some late hitting ensured Qatar reached 109 before being bowled out in the last over of their innings.
First Innings: Qatar’s Batting Struggles and Surges
- Qatar posted 109 runs in 19.3 overs, lost all wickets, and finished with a run rate of 5.59.
- Imal Liyanage top-scored with 28 runs off 23 balls, striking four boundaries in the process.
- Muhammad Asim provided a crucial cameo, scoring 21 with two fours and a six.
- Owais Ahmed contributed 10 not out, adding vital runs in the tail.
- Key bowling figures for Hong Kong include Kinchit Shah (3 wickets for 18 runs), Yasim Murtaza (2 for 15), and Ateeq Iqbal (3 for 8). Their collective effort kept Qatar’s score in check and threatened to bowl them out cheaply at times.
Bowling Highlights: Hong Kong’s Restrictive Effort
- Kinchit Shah and Ateeq Iqbal were the standout bowlers, sharing six wickets between them and maintaining exceptional economy rates.
- Yasim Murtaza’s performance not only yielded two wickets but also put a halt to Qatar’s scoring at several crucial moments in the first innings.
- Hong Kong’s fielding intensity, including smart catches and run prevention, further established their dominance during the middle overs.
Second Innings: Hong Kong’s Chase Falters
- Hong Kong started its chase with caution. Their batsmen struggled against Qatar’s disciplined bowling attack.
- Yasim Murtaza led the scoring with 20 off 21 balls, including a six, but fell at a key stage.
- Shiv Mathur (19 off 32) and Kinchit Shah (15 off 15) tried to stabilise the innings, yet wickets fell at regular intervals.
- Despite a brief late flourish by Mohammad Waheed (6 off 4), Hong Kong ended on 103/9 after 20 overs, falling just short of the target.
Qatar’s Bowling: Key to Victory
- Mirza Mohammed Baig was the surprise package, taking three wickets for just eight runs in his three overs. His spell included the important wickets of Anshy Rath and Nizakat Khan, which turned the match in Qatar’s favour.
- Saqlain Arshad and Muhammad Asim also contributed with two and one wickets respectively, maintaining pressure throughout the chase.
- Tight lines and smart field placements kept Hong Kong on the back foot, leaving them always slightly behind the required rate in the closing stages.
Turning Points and Match Drama
- Qatar’s middle and lower order managed a few crucial partnerships, especially after losing quick wickets early on.
- Hong Kong’s chase looked promising until the 13th over, but frequent wickets disrupted their progress and shifted momentum toward Qatar.
- A series of dot balls and disciplined death bowling ensured that Hong Kong could not score freely in the final overs.
- The match was decided in the last over, reflecting the high-pressure nature and excitement of T20 cricket.
Player Performances: Heroes and Misses
Qatar
- Imal Liyanage: Anchored the innings and top-scored.
- Mirza Mohammed Baig: Starred with the ball, breaking Hong Kong’s backbone.
- Muhammad Asim: All-round effort with runs and wickets.
Hong Kong
- Yasim Murtaza: Excelled with both bat and ball.
- Kinchit Shah: Prolific wicket-taker and handy with the bat.
- Shiv Mathur: Provided some stability in the middle order.
Venue and Conditions
- The match was played under clear weather conditions in Doha, providing an optimal cricketing atmosphere.
- The pitch favoured bowlers slightly, as evidenced by the relatively low scoring and movement for both pace and spin bowlers.