Ireland suffered a surprise 40-run defeat to Hong Kong in the first T20 global of their two-match series in Bready, Northern Ireland on Monday. Six of his seven fours were struck through the off side while his two sixes were lofted over extra cover and long-on.
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In the first match, Hong Kong rode on Nizakat Khan’s brisk half-century and good hands from Babar Hayat (49) and Ehsan Khan (29 not out) to post 169 for 5 in 20 overs. Ehsan’s unbeaten cameo then took Hong Kong past the 150-run mark.
Aizaz Khan (3-10) polished off the lower order, taking the key wicket of Thompson, as Ireland were bowled out for 129 with three balls to spare.
Opting to bat, Hong Kong got off to a swift start with Nizakat and Aizaz Khan, the openers, putting on 41 in just 4.4 overs.
He scored freely here as well- hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes in his 43- ball knock that gave Hong Kong a real platform early on.
Ireland’s bowlers shared the wickets equally with four different bowlers – Mulder, Andy McBrine, Craig Young and Kevin O’Brien – claiming one apiece while the fifth came courtesy of a runout in the field by Thompson.
Aizaz found support from Hong Kong’s new-ball pair of Tanwir Afzal and Nadeem Ahmed.
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The second match takes place at the same venue on Tuesday.
