Babar Hayat's unbeaten century sets Nepal 262-run target

Babar Hayat struck an unbeaten 117 to lift Hong Kong, China from 133 for 7 to 261 for 7 against Nepal in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026 at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

Nepal will require 262 to win after Hong Kong produced a remarkable late recovery, scoring 105 runs without losing a wicket across the final 10 overs of their innings.

Hayat finished with 117 from 126 balls, hitting seven fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 92.86. His acceleration transformed the innings after Nepal's bowlers had threatened to dismiss Hong Kong for a modest total.

Hong Kong were reduced to 133 for 7 when Sandeep Lamichhane trapped Aizaz Khan leg before on the fifth ball of the 31st over. They had progressed to only 156 for 7 after 40 overs, leaving Nepal firmly in control with 60 deliveries remaining.

Hayat and Ehsan Khan then launched an extraordinary final assault. Their unbeaten eighth-wicket partnership added 128 from 115 balls, with Hayat contributing 86 from 69 deliveries and Ehsan making 35 from 46. Seven extras were added during the stand.

Ehsan struck five fours in his unbeaten innings, providing Hayat with vital support as the pair denied Nepal another breakthrough. Hayat supplied the power at the other end, clearing the boundary seven times as Hong Kong more than doubled their score from the fall of the seventh wicket.

Earlier, Nepal's spinners had taken control after Hong Kong elected to bat. Sher Malla returned 3 for 27 from his 10 overs, dismissing Zeeshan Ali, Anshuman Rath and Shahid Wasif.

Lamichhane claimed 4 for 44 from 10 overs. He removed Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, captain Yasim Murtaza and Aizaz to leave Hong Kong seven wickets down inside 31 overs.

Shahid Wasif contributed 45 from 49 balls before being stumped off Malla, but Hayat's century and the record-breaking recovery with Ehsan ensured Nepal would face a demanding chase.