Malaysia shock Hong Kong in Tri-series opener

All-rounder Virandeep Singh, a left-arm spinner and right-handed batsman, starred for Malaysia with 47 and four wickets for 10 runs in four overs, to help Malaysia score a shocking 102-run win over Hong Kong, who have featured in the Asia Cup and played Asia’s Test nations in the past. The match was the opening tie of the Malaysia T20I Tri-series 2023, being played at the Bayuemas Oval in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Hong Kong had won the toss and opted to bowl but their bowlers, barring leg-spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar (3/22) and left-arm spinner Anas Khan (1/17), were profligate and couldn’t stop Malaysia from reaching 181/8 in 20 overs.

Syed Aziz (65 off 34 balls) and Zulkifle (22 off 21) got the home team off to a flying start, adding 105 for the first wicket in just over eight overs.

The Malaysian team then lost a few wickets in quick succession with off-spinner Ehsan Khan (2/32) picking two wickets, and Ghazanfar getting into the act with three wickets as well Anas with his one, to be reduced to 120/6 in the 12th over.

But then Virandeep took charge and propelled the team to a strong total.

In response, Malaysia bowled out Hong Kong for just 79 in 10 overs. Virandeep took 4/10 in his four overs while Vijay Unni took 2/21.

Virandeep was acknowledged as the Player of the Match.

Brief scores: Malaysia 181/8 in 20 overs (Syed Aziz 65, Virandeep Singh 47, Mohammad Ghazanfar 3/22, Nizakat Khan 2/22, Ehsan Khan 2/32) beat Hong Kong 79 all out in 19 overs (Babar Hayat 22, Virandeep Singh 4/10, Khizar Hayat 2/9, Vijay Unni 2/21) by 102 runs

Cricket, Malaysia, T20, Hong Kong