Bangladesh finished runners-up in the Plate leg of the Hong Kong Sixes after falling to a one-wicket defeat against hosts Hong Kong in a dramatic final on Sunday.
Batting first, Akbar Ali’s side posted 120 runs, recovering from a shaky start after Habibur Rahman Sohan was dismissed for a duck off the first ball. Zisan Alam and captain Akbar rebuilt with a 56-run stand, with Zisan striking 27 from seven balls.
Although Mosaddek Hossain Saikat departed without scoring, Abu Hider Rony provided crucial late acceleration, smashing 28 from eight deliveries. Akbar anchored the innings with a brilliant 51 off 13 balls, featuring one four and seven sixes, before falling to the final delivery.
Bangladesh began well with the ball as Rony removed Babar Hayat and Anshi Rath in the opening over, both dismissed without scoring. However, Hong Kong fought back through a dominant partnership between Aizaz Khan and Nizakat Khan.
Aizaz led the chase with an extraordinary display of power-hitting, reaching 55 from just 15 balls before Rony returned to dismiss Nasrulla Rana for four. Hong Kong required 30 runs from the final over, and Aizaz produced a stunning finish, taking 32 runs off Akbar’s bowling with five massive sixes to seal victory.
Aizaz finished unbeaten on 85 from 21 balls, striking four fours and 11 sixes to carry his team over the line with one delivery to spare.
Earlier, Bangladesh had reached the Plate final by defeating South Africa by 25 runs in the semi-final. Sohan’s explosive 54 off 13 balls powered the Tigers to 128 for three from six overs, with Zisan adding 24 from seven and Mosaddek 27 from eight. South Africa managed 103 for six in reply, despite a spirited 38 from Abdulha Bayoumi.
Rony and Zisan took two wickets each, while Rakibul Hasan and Akbar claimed one apiece.
Though denied the Plate title, Bangladesh’s campaign was highlighted by Sohan’s blistering hitting and Akbar’s leadership, their attacking brand of cricket marking one of the most entertaining performances of the tournament.
