Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best
Fireworks in Mong Kok: Kuwait Clinch Last-Over Thriller Against Hong Kong in Quadrangular T20I Clash
In what turned out to be a gripping encounter under the floodlights at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Kuwait held their nerve to chase down a challenging total of 176, defeating Hong Kong by four wickets in the second match of the Quadrangular T20I Series on April 9, 2025. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best The match had everything a cricket enthusiast could wish for: explosive batting, tactical bowling, fielding lapses, pressure moments, and a thrilling finish.
As the match unfolded, it became a showcase of Kuwait’s resilience and Hong Kong’s early dominance, ultimately reflecting how momentum in T20 cricket can flip within minutes. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best This result also sent strong signals to the other teams in the tournament – Kuwait are not just participating; they are here to challenge.
Setting the Stage: Mission Road’s Electric Atmosphere
The Mission Road Ground, a modest venue nestled in Mong Kok, came alive with a bustling crowd. Hong Kong fans packed the stands in anticipation of their home team asserting dominance, but Kuwait’s supporters matched the energy, waving flags and chanting in support. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best The conditions were ideal: a hard pitch promising bounce and carry, perfect for stroke-makers, with a fast outfield to amplify run-scoring opportunities.
Kuwait’s captain won the toss and made a bold call to field first, perhaps banking on dew later in the evening. On paper, it seemed like a gamble – Hong Kong’s top order had been in red-hot form, especially their stalwart, Anshuman Rath.
Hong Kong’s Innings: Rath and Hayat Steer the Charge
Hong Kong’s innings began with assurance. The opening pair of Anshuman Rath and Nizakat Khan walked out with intent, aiming to pile up a commanding total. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best While Nizakat departed early, edging to the keeper off Yasin Patel in the second over, Rath was in sublime touch.
Rath’s Masterclass
Rath looked composed, unfazed by the early loss, and shifted gears quickly. His 76 off 48 balls was a delightful mix of elegant cover drives, late cuts, and aggressive sweeps. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best He paced his innings masterfully – cautious in the powerplay, assertive in the middle overs, and menacing in the death.
At the other end, Babar Hayat brought muscle to the innings. His 40 off 31 balls, featuring 3 sixes and 2 boundaries, was the perfect counterbalance to Rath’s technical finesse. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best The pair shared a crucial 85-run stand that formed the backbone of Hong Kong’s innings.
Kuwait’s Middle Overs Fightback
Kuwait’s bowlers, to their credit, stuck to their plans. After being carted in the powerplay (HK were 54/1 after 6), they used pace off the ball and wide yorkers to claw back. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best Mohamed Shafeeq was the standout bowler, returning 2 for 22 in 3 overs. He removed the dangerous Hayat with a slower ball that deceived the batter completely and then dismissed Shahid Wasif cheaply.
The final four overs saw Hong Kong add 44 runs but lose key wickets. Skipper Kinchit Shah’s brief cameo (14 off 8) helped push the score to a competitive 175/5 in 20 overs. While not insurmountable, the total was above par considering the pressure of a chase under lights in Mong Kok.
Kuwait’s Chase: Steady Start, Explosive Middle, Nerve-Wracking End
Kuwait’s reply was always going to rest on how well their top order handled Hong Kong’s spin-heavy attack. The openers – Meet Bhavsar and Ravija Sandaruwan – gave them a steady start. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best While Bhavsar fell cheaply trying to go aerial too early, Sandaruwan anchored the innings with purpose.
Sandaruwan’s Composed 49
Sandaruwan was Kuwait’s silent warrior. He never looked rushed, kept finding singles and twos, and capitalized on bad balls. His 49 off 36 balls set the tone. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best Particularly effective against seamers, he found the boundary with ease through midwicket and square leg. His partnership with Adnan Idrees (27 off 20) was worth 62 runs, ensuring Kuwait were never too far behind the rate.
However, the big moment came in the 12th over – when Mohammed Aslam walked in.
The Aslam Storm: A Match-Winning Blitz
If Sandaruwan had laid the groundwork, Mohammed Aslam detonated the chase with fireworks. His 55 off 29 deliveries was an innings of brute power and intent. Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best Aslam wasted no time – he smashed a six over long-on off Ehsan Khan on his fourth ball and never looked back.
Key Highlights of Aslam’s Knock:
- Three massive sixes, including one that went over the commentary box.
- Two exquisite cover drives off pace that raced to the fence.
- A scoop shot that showcased his versatility.
- Hong Kong vs Kuwait, 2nd Match – Live Cricket Score, Commentary 2025 best
Aslam’s assault brought down the required rate from nearly 10 an over to under 8. By the time he departed in the 18th over – caught trying to clear long-off – the damage had been done. Kuwait needed just 20 off 18 balls.
Hong Kong’s Fightback: Death Overs Drama
To their credit, Hong Kong didn’t go down without a fight. A stunning over by Ayush Shukla, who gave away just 4 runs and picked a wicket in the 18th, reignited hopes. The 19th over from Nizakat Khan yielded 8 runs, leaving Kuwait needing 8 from 6.
The final over was entrusted to Haroon Arshad, a bowler known for handling pressure. He began with a dot ball, followed by a single, and then a leg-bye. But then came Bilal Tahir, who smashed a boundary through midwicket on the fourth ball, leveling the scores. A gentle push on the fifth ball completed the chase.
Kuwait finished on 180/6 in 19 overs, sealing a four-wicket win with an over to spare.
Match Summary
Hong Kong: 175/5 (20 Overs)
- Anshuman Rath – 76 (48)
- Babar Hayat – 40 (31)
- Mohamed Shafeeq – 2/22 (3)
Kuwait: 180/6 (19 Overs)
- Mohammed Aslam – 55 (29)
- Ravija Sandaruwan – 49 (36)
- Ayush Shukla – 1/21 (3)
Result: Kuwait won by 4 wickets
Turning Points of the Match
- Rath-Hayat Partnership: Built a strong platform, but Hong Kong couldn’t accelerate in the death overs.
- Shafeeq’s Double Strike: His two wickets broke momentum and kept the target below 190.
- Aslam’s Powerplay: His 55 off 29 tilted the match in Kuwait’s favor and shattered Hong Kong’s bowling plans.
- Shukla’s 18th Over: Briefly gave Hong Kong hope, but came a bit too late.
Player of the Match: Mohammed Aslam
For his electrifying 55 off 29 balls, which included some of the biggest sixes of the tournament so far, Aslam was named Player of the Match. His fearless intent and ability to dominate both spin and pace made the difference.
Post-Match Reactions
Kuwait Captain:
“Proud of the way the team responded. Chasing 175 was never easy, but we stuck to our plans. Aslam’s knock was world-class.”
Hong Kong Captain:
“We had the runs on board but let things slip in the middle overs. Credit to Kuwait – they kept the scoreboard moving and punished our mistakes.”
What This Means for the Tournament
With this win, Kuwait announced their credentials as genuine contenders in the Quadrangular T20I Series. Their depth in batting, smart bowling plans, and ability to hold composure in pressure situations were evident.
For Hong Kong, this was a wake-up call. Despite being hosts and tournament favorites, they were tactically outmaneuvered in key phases. Their spinners didn’t get enough grip, and their fielding was sloppy at times – areas they’ll look to fix in the upcoming games.
Conclusion: T20I Drama at its Finest
This match was everything that modern T20 cricket promises – power-hitting, clutch bowling, dramatic shifts in momentum, and a last-over finish. Kuwait’s four-wicket win over Hong Kong in the 2nd match of the Quadrangular T20I Series wasn’t just an upset; it was a statement.
Cricket fans in Asia and beyond are watching this tournament not just to witness skill, but also the rise of emerging cricketing nations. With performances like these, Kuwait is no longer underdogs – they are now serious contenders.
