World Twenty20 debutants Hong Kong secured a significant scalp with a dramatic last-ball victory in their warm-up match against Zimbabwe.
In pursuit of 153 for seven – a total owing much to a blistering 45 not out from 28 balls by experienced Zimbabwe all-rounder Elton Chigumbura – Hong Kong appeared in deep trouble when they slumped to 89 for six midway through the 14th over, with off-spinner Prosper Utseya taking half of the wickets to fall.
But 19-year-old left-hander Mark Chapman had other ideas. Supported by Tanwir Afzal’s unbeaten 37, Chapman hauled Hong Kong towards their victory target and, requiring one from Tendai Chatara’s final delivery, he blasted six to bring up a triumphant half-century.
Afghanistan continued their impressive recent form with a comfortable 35-run win over Netherlands via the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Captain Mohamnmad Nabi top scored with 40, while Karim Sadiq and Shafiquallah also impressed with the bat as Afghanistan’s middle-order provided the bulk of 150 for seven.
Set a revised target of 122 for 15 overs, Netherlands were never truly in the hunt after a breezy opening stand between Michael Swart and Stephan Myburgh ended. Seamer Aftab Alam took 4-25 as they slumped to 86 all out.
Ireland left it late to overcome Nepal by five wickets. Having been asked to post a total, the minnows made 137 for seven, Gyanendra Malla and skipper Paras Khadka scoring 47 and 31 respectively.
Paras’ opposite number Will Porterfield and Andrew Poynter had Ireland going along nicely at 78 for two but a clatter of middle-order wickets left it to Gary Wilson and Stuart Thompson to see them home, the former launching back-to-back sixes at the end of the 19th over to make 31 not out.
Tamim Iqbal set the tone at the top of the order with 43 from 30 deliveries as hosts Bangladesh went some way to getting a torrid Asia Cup campaign out of their system with a four-wicket win over the UAE.