In Nishin on September 25, Hong Kong faced Oman in a Group B match of the men’s cricket tournament at the 2026, securing a crucial 41-run victory.
Batting first, Hong Kong posted a total of 121 runs, losing eight wickets. Hafeez Khan was the standout performer, scoring 33 runs off 37 balls, including three boundaries. Babar Hayat contributed 23 runs from 25 balls, while captain Yasir Murtaza added 18 runs from 14 balls. Ehsan Khan and Shiv Mathur chipped in with 16 and 12 runs, respectively.
For Oman, Mohammad Al Balushi took three wickets, with Sufyan Mehmood, Suhaib Al Balushi, Nawad Al Balushi, and Sameer Othman each claiming one wicket.
Chasing a target of 122 runs, Oman’s batting lineup struggled significantly. None of the top-order batsmen managed to settle in and build a partnership. Shoaib Al Balushi, opening the innings, scored 20 runs from 26 balls, while captain Sufyan Mehmood, batting at number six, remained unbeaten on 26 runs off 35 balls. Abdul Jalil also contributed with an unbeaten 15 runs. Ultimately, Oman could only muster 80 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs, falling short by 41 runs.
Ayush Shukla led the bowling attack for Hong Kong with three wickets, while Mohammad Ghazanfar took two and Nasrullah Rana claimed one.
This victory was particularly important for Hong Kong following their recent loss to Malaysia. With their group stage matches now concluded, Hong Kong’s chances of advancing to the quarter-finals hinge on the outcome of Malaysia’s next match against Oman. If Malaysia defeats Oman, both Hong Kong and Malaysia will progress from Group B.