Lotus Cup 2026
Hong Kong, China stay unbeaten with assured win over Malaysia in Gelephu
Hong Kong, China continued their dominant run at the Lotus Cup with another polished performance in Gelephu, overcoming a determined Malaysian side to register their fourth consecutive victory and extend their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Malaysia entered the contest eager to regain momentum after a difficult run of results and showed intent from the outset. While a few lapses in the field cost them at crucial moments, their energy and willingness to compete never dipped, as they searched for ways to turn the tide and reassert themselves in the competition.
Batting first, Malaysia aimed to build a competitive total on a surface that rewarded patience. Ainna Hamizah Hashim played a vital anchoring role at the top of the order, compiling a measured 44 off 57 deliveries, absorbing pressure and guiding the innings through the middle overs. She found solid support from Mahirah Izzati Ismail, who injected fluency with a well-paced 39 off 37 balls. Despite their efforts, Malaysia found it difficult to accelerate at the death, as Hong Kong, China’s disciplined bowling and sharp field placements kept the scoring in check.
The Hong Kong, China bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Chan Ka Ying leading the attack with an impressive spell of 3 for 18. Chan Sau Ha and Maryam Bibi provided key breakthroughs, ensuring Malaysia were restricted to 111 for 7 at the end of their 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target, Hong Kong, China approached the innings with clarity and composure. An early wicket briefly lifted Malaysian hopes, but captain Natasha Tara Miles once again demonstrated calm leadership, settling the chase with a mature and controlled innings. Her unbeaten 62 off 55 balls was a study in balance, combining solid defense with timely boundary hitting. At the other end, Yasmin Daswani offered excellent support, remaining unbeaten on 39 and rotating the strike effectively to keep the scoreboard moving.
“Whenever we come into any tournament, we never expect things to come easily. We fought hard in every game, and I’m very proud of how we played across all four matches. It’s a good achievement for us, but we’re looking for five. We trusted our bowlers today, took a bit of a risk going for the fifth win, and everyone turned up and delivered.”
— Captain, Hong Kong, China 🇭🇰
The pair steadily dismantled the target, building a partnership that absorbed pressure and left Malaysia chasing the game. Their calm presence ensured Hong Kong, China reached 112 for 1 in just 16.5 overs, finishing the chase with time to spare.
This performance followed Hong Kong, China’s resilient showing in their previous match, where they responded strongly after early pressure to regain control. Carrying that confidence into Gelephu, they once again executed their plans with discipline and assurance.
Despite the result, Malaysia can take positives from their effort, particularly in their intent and moments of resistance shown throughout the match. Hong Kong, China, however, continued to set the benchmark with their consistency, composure, and leadership, sealing their fourth win on the bounce and confirming their place in the final of the Lotus Cup as the tournament moves toward its decisive stage.
