Murtaza Desires Higher Score After Loss

ABU DHABI: Following their seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday, Hong Kong’s captain, Yasim Murtaza, voiced his satisfaction with his team’s batting performance.

After being put in to bat, Hong Kong posted 143/7 in their 20 overs, with Nizakat Khan and Murtaza constructing solid innings.

When Nizakat and Murtaza were at the crease, Hong Kong seemed poised to set a substantial target, effectively challenging the Bangladeshi bowlers during their dynamic 46-run stand for the fourth wicket.

However, Murtaza’s dismissal through a run-out slowed their momentum, and they managed only 26 additional runs in the remaining 17 balls, ultimately concluding at 143/7.

Despite failing to achieve a truly competitive score, Murtaza expressed his pleasure with his team’s batting display during the post-match presentation, while also noting that he would have preferred a total closer to 170 runs.

He further commented that the team had pinpointed areas needing improvement and conveyed optimism for an enhanced showing ‘next time’.

Murtaza stated, “I am pleased with the way our batsmen performed. However, I would have been happier with a score of 160-170 plus, as that would have presented a more challenging target.”

He added, “These things occur, so I am not overly concerned. Upon reflection, we will identify the areas requiring attention and aim for a better outcome in the future.”

Reflecting on their heavy defeat in the opening match against Afghanistan, Murtaza emphasized that Hong Kong devised a strategy against Bangladesh and successfully executed it.

“We conceded too many easy opportunities (against Afghanistan). Today, we implemented our plan. Their (Litton and Hridoy) strong partnership proved decisive, leading to their victory.”