Babar Hayat’s brilliant half-century (Photo: PTI)
Babar Hayat, Asian Games Qualifier: The competition is going on in Singapore between the cricket teams of 8 countries for a place in the Asian Games to be held in September-October this year. On June 1, the third match of the Asian Games Qualifier was played between Hong Kong and Bahrain, in which Babar Hayat batted strongly. While chasing the target from Bahrain, Babar Hayat of Hong Kong scored unbeaten 93 runs. He could not complete his third century in T20 International but returned not out after leading his team to victory. Babar Hayat’s inning was of 48 balls, which snatched the match from Bahrain.
Hong Kong defeated Bahrain by 8 wickets
Hong Kong won by 8 wickets in the ongoing Asian Games Qualifier in Singapore. While chasing the target of 174 runs set by Bahrain, Hong Kong’s first wicket fell for just 12 runs. But after that Babar Hayat came on the wicket and took everything under his control. This 34-year-old most experienced batsman of Hong Kong made important contributions in the half-century partnerships for the second and third wickets and helped the team win.
The game ended with Babar Hayat’s 48-ball innings.
Babar Hayat, born in Pakistan in the year 1992, scored unbeaten 93 runs facing 48 balls against Bahrain. His innings, played at a strike rate of 193.75, included 7 sixes and 6 fours i.e. a total of 13 boundaries. This is his 13th half-century in T20 International. During his innings, Babar Hayat made a partnership of 76 runs in 39 balls with Nizakat Khan for the second wicket, in which 35 runs were his. For the third wicket, he added 87 runs in 47 balls, out of which 58 runs came from his bat.
Hong Kong chased the target of 174 runs given by Bahrain in 24 balls i.e. 4 overs in advance due to the excellent batting of Babar Hayat. In this way, he has made his winning debut in the Asian Games qualifiers. Babar Hayat was adjudged Player of the Match for playing the match-winning innings for Hong Kong.
Bahrain had scored 173 runs in 20 overs.
In the match, Hong Kong won the toss and put Bahrain to bat first. No batsman from Bahrain scored a half-century. His top scores were both his openers, who scored 40 plus. On the basis of his innings, Bahrain scored 173 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Bahrain’s next match is now against Oman. Hong Kong will compete with host Singapore.
