The UAE produced a stunning display with the ball, bowling Hong Kong out for just 70 in the ACC Premier Cup 2026 semi-final at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi. Left-arm spinner Haider Ali produced a stunning spell of 6/14, including three maidens as Hong Kong folded in just 30.1 overs.
Hong Kong openers Zeeshan Ali (17) and Kalhan Challu (13) put on 32 for the first wicket, but once Haider removed Zeeshan, Hong Kong could add only 38 more runs, losing all their wickets in the process.
Wicketkeeper Adeb Usmani got into the action as he picked up two wickets to further help UAE dominate proceedings.
UAE qualify for the final
In reply, UAE finished things off in a hurry, taking just 11.1 overs to complete the chase. They lost three wickets, but never looked in any trouble. Hong Kong skipper Yasim Murtaza, Ehsan Khan and Kinchit Shah shared one wicket apiece.
With this win, UAE make it to the final of the ACC Premier Cup again. They will face the winner of the game between Nepal and Oman. Chasing 148, Oman are in trouble at the moment as they are 57/7 at the halfway stage.
The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Asia Cup 2027, which is scheduled to be played in Bangladesh between June 18 and July 4, 2027. They will join India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan at the tournament next year.
Brief scores:
Hong Kong 70 in 30.1 overs (Zeeshan Ali 17, Kalhan Challu 13; Haider Ali 6/14) lost to UAE 71/3 in 11.1 overs (Tanish Suri 27, Adeeb Usmani 16; Kinchit Shah 1/4) by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Haider Ali
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