Kuwait Outlasts Hong Kong in Thrilling T20I Quadrangular Series Opener

MONG KOK, Hong Kong — Kuwait claimed victory over Hong Kong in a gripping match during the T20I Quadrangular Series 2025, held at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground on April 9. After winning the toss, Kuwait captain Mohammed Aslam opted to field first, a decision that would shape the contest.

The match, crucial for both teams aiming for a strong start in this significant tournament, saw Hong Kong led by Yasim Murtaza. The local team fielded a robust lineup featuring key players such as Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, and wicketkeeper Zeeshan Ali, setting the stage for an exhilarating competition.

Kuwait’s squad boasted experienced players including Bilal Tahir, Clinto Anto, and wicketkeeper Usman Patel, all eager to establish their dominance early in the series. The starting elevens for both sides were:

Hong Kong Playing XI: Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Anshy Rath, Ateeq Iqbal, Ayush Shukla, Babar Hayat, Ehsan Khan, Kalhan Challu, Nizakat Khan, Waqas Barkat, Zeeshan Ali (wk).

Kuwait Playing XI: Mohammed Aslam (c), Anudeep Chenthamara, Bilal Tahir, Clinto Anto, Meet Bhavsar, Usman Patel (wk), Nimish Lathief, Yasin Patel, Mohamed Shafeeq.

The T20I Quadrangular Series includes Malaysia and Nepal, with six matches scheduled before the top two teams advance to the final on April 13. Every performance is crucial as players refine their skills ahead of the ICC global qualifiers. The Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, known for its batting-friendly pitch, was the perfect backdrop, although the early start at 11:00 AM local time suggested seamers might see some initial assistance.

The first innings showcased a mix of determination and strategy, with Hong Kong’s batters striving to post a competitive total. Aslam’s strategic decision to field first aimed to apply pressure on the Hong Kong batting lineup from the outset. “Winning the toss gives us a chance to set the tone and put them under pressure early,” Aslam remarked before the match.

Hong Kong, seeking home advantage, was keen to generate momentum in their T20I performances, while Kuwait sought to position itself as a formidable force in associate cricket. As the innings progressed, the intensity mounted, capturing the full attention of fans who were eagerly following the action online, particularly with a lack of television broadcasts in India.

The day was packed with cricket, as Nepal had faced Qatar in the earlier match of the series that day, which Nepal won after electing to field first. The two back-to-back matches effectively heightened the excitement around the Quadrangular Series, offering fans a full day of competitive cricket.

In the final analysis, both teams’ performances will significantly shape their paths in the series and their prospects in the upcoming ICC qualifiers. Fantasy cricket platforms like Cricket.com offered fans a way to engage further by creating dream teams and competing for exciting prizes, adding another layer of anticipation to the series.

As the drama of the T20I Quadrangular Series continues, cricket enthusiasts are encouraged to follow live updates and analyses to keep up with the unfolding narrative of this exciting tournament.