Hong Kong might be a developing cricketing nation, but their performances in the Asia Cup have been memorable, often punching above their weight against top teams like India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Despite being considered underdogs, Hong Kong has posted competitive totals in both ODI and T20 Asia Cups, proving their capability to challenge big teams.
This article covers Hong Kong’s highest team scores in Asia Cup history, including both T20I and ODI formats, with match details, key performers, and records.
Hong Kong’s Highest Score in Asia Cup – ODI Format
Hong Kong’s most remarkable ODI performance in Asia Cup came against India in Dubai, 2018, where they almost pulled off a historic upset. Chasing 286, they scored 259/8, falling just 26 runs short of victory. This match is considered one of Hong Kong’s best games in their cricket history.
Highlights of Hong Kong’s Highest ODI Score
- Match: India vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2018, Dubai
- Score: 259/8 in 50 overs
- Top Scorers:
- Nizakat Khan – 92 (115)
- Anshy Rath – 73 (97)
- Partnership: 174 runs opening stand (one of the best for Hong Kong)
- Result: Lost by just 26 runs – a moral victory against the giants of world cricket.
Hong Kong’s Highest Score in Asia Cup – T20I Format
In the T20I format, Hong Kong’s highest Asia Cup score came during the 2016 Qualifiers against Oman at Fatullah, where they posted 175/7 chasing 181 but narrowly lost by 5 runs. Another competitive total came in the 2022 Asia Cup group stage where they scored 152/5 vs India.
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Highlights of Hong Kong’s Highest T20 Score
- Match: Oman vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2016 Qualifier
- Score: 175/7 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer:
- Babar Hayat – 122 (60), SR 203.33 (one of the most iconic innings by a Hong Kong player)
- Result: Lost by 5 runs, but showed their batting firepower.
Top 5 Highest Scores – Hong Kong in Asia Cup (ODI & T20)
Format | Score | Overs | Opponent | Venue | Year | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODI | 259/8 | 50.0 | India | Dubai (DICS) | 2018 | Lost by 26 runs |
T20 | 175/7 | 20.0 | Oman | Fatullah | 2016 | Lost by 5 runs (T20 Qualifier) |
T20 | 152/5 | 20.0 | India | Dubai (DICS) | 2022 | Lost |
T20 | 146/7 | 20.0 | UAE | Fatullah | 2016 | Lost |
T20 | 112 | 17.1 | Afghanistan | Mirpur | 2016 | Lost by 66 runs |
Star Performers for Hong Kong in Asia Cup
- Babar Hayat: Scored 122 (60) vs Oman in T20 Asia Cup Qualifier – fastest and highest individual score by a Hong Kong batter.
- Nizakat Khan: Played a match-defining 92 against India in 2018 ODI, taking Hong Kong close to a famous win.
- Anshy Rath: Steady 73 in the same match vs India, forming a record 174-run partnership with Nizakat.
Hong Kong may not have registered a win in the Asia Cup main rounds yet, but their performances have been historic for Associate cricket. Their fight against India in 2018 is still remembered as one of the best near-upsets in Asia Cup history, and Babar Hayat’s century in T20 remains one of the most entertaining knocks by an Associate player in a major tournament.
See Also:- Afghanistan Highest Score in Asia Cup
With more exposure and opportunities, Hong Kong has the potential to score even bigger in future editions and possibly upset a top-tier side.
Hong Kong’s journey in Asia Cup shows their progress as a competitive side. Their highest scores in both ODI and T20 formats reflect their fearless approach, and fans will be eager to see them convert these fighting totals into wins in upcoming tournaments.