Cricket

Anshy Rath shines as Hong Kong edge Malaysia in ACC Premier Cup thriller

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 5, 2026, 15:30 IST

Hong Kong, China secured a hard-fought two-wicket victory over Malaysia in the ACC Men's Premier Cup. Anshy Rath earned Player of the Match honors for his pivotal 44-run contribution.

Anshy Rath shines as Hong Kong edge Malaysia in ACC Premier Cup thriller

Hong Kong set the pace at YSD-UKM Oval

Hong Kong, China claimed a narrow two-wicket victory over Malaysia in Match 14 of the ACC Men's Premier Cup, 2026, held at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Bangi. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Hong Kong posted a total of 209 all out in 46.3 overs. The innings was anchored by Kalhan Challu, who top-scored with a composed 69 off 72 balls. He found vital support from Anshy Rath, whose 44 off 48 balls proved to be a defining contribution to the team's final tally.

Malaysia’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Aqeel Wahid, kept the pressure on throughout the first innings. Wahid was the standout performer with the ball, claiming impressive figures of 4/39 from his 10 overs, which prevented Hong Kong from building a more imposing total.

Malaysia's chase falls just short

Chasing 210 for victory, Malaysia faced an immediate setback when they lost two early wickets, with the dismissal of Nazmus Sakib at the score of 2 in just the second over serving as a significant turning point in the contest. Despite the rocky start, Virandeep Singh mounted a resilient challenge, anchoring the innings with a gritty 82 off 106 balls. Supported by Muhamad Syahadat, Malaysia fought back to keep their hopes alive as the game reached a tense conclusion.

Ultimately, Malaysia finished on 209/9, falling just short of the target in a match that remained in the balance until the final stages. Anshy Rath was named Player of the Match for his all-around impact, specifically his crucial 44-run knock that provided the backbone for Hong Kong’s successful defense of their total. The result highlights the competitive nature of the ACC Men's Premier Cup, with Hong Kong showing the composure required to edge out a determined Malaysian side.