Bangladesh ‘A’ produced a blistering all-round performance to seal an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Hong Kong, China in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament in Doha on Saturday. 

The win, achieved with 54 balls to spare while chasing 168, showcased a dominant display of power-hitting and disciplined bowling.
Opting to bat first, Hong Kong, China struggled to build momentum as Bangladesh’s attack maintained tight control throughout the innings. Ripon Mondol and SM Meherob Hasan struck early and often, claiming two wickets apiece to keep the opposition under pressure. Hong Kong, China were heading for a below-par total until the final over, where Abu Hider Rony conceded 26 runs, allowing them to finish on 167.

Babar Hayat’s 63 off 49 and captain Yasim Murtaza’s quickfire 40 off 22 were the only notable contributions as regular breakthroughs halted their progress.

In response, Bangladesh ‘A’ turned the chase into a show of brute force. Opener Habibur Rahman Sohan delivered a record-breaking innings, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 35 deliveries, featuring 8 fours and 10 towering sixes. His onslaught began immediately, and by the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh were cruising at a stunning 107 for 0, with Sohan blazing to 88 off 24 balls.

After Jishan Alam (20 off 14) and Zawad Abrar fell, captain Akbar Ali joined Sohan to apply the finishing touches. Akbar hammered an unbeaten 41 off only 13 balls, including six sixes, and ended the match in style by striking five consecutive maximums in the last over they faced.
The commanding win underlined Bangladesh ‘A’s impressive form and confidence heading into their next fixture against Afghanistan on Monday night.