I am Babar Hayat, a Pakistani-born cricketer representing Hong Kong on the international stage. As a right-handed batsman and former captain of the Hong Kong national team, my journey in cricket has been marked by significant milestones and records.
International Career
I embarked on my T20I career on 16 March 2014 against Nepal, scoring 20 runs from 25 balls. My One Day International debut followed shortly, as I played against Afghanistan in the 2014 ACC Premier League on 1 May 2014. A landmark moment in my career was during the 2016 Asia Cup Qualifier when I became the first Hong Kong player to score a century in a T20I match.
Record-Breaking Achievements
In T20I cricket, I hold the record for the highest ever score by any player in the second innings of a match, with an impressive 122 runs. This score also ranks second for the highest ever T20I score in a losing cause, just behind Shane Watson’s 124*. Furthermore, my 122 runs placed me in second place for the highest percentage of runs in a completed innings by a team, where my team scored only 175/7.
Babar Hayat’s Continuing Impact on Hong Kong Cricket
Leadership and Tournaments
In August 2018, I was appointed captain of Hong Kong’s squad for the Asia Cup Qualifier tournament. Although I stepped down as captain before the tournament, I was part of the squad that won the qualifier and competed in the 2018 Asia Cup. My performance in the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup was noteworthy as I emerged as the leading run-scorer for Hong Kong with 136 runs in three matches. I also represented Hong Kong in the 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Namibia and the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in the UAE.
Current Status
Despite declaring my unavailability to play for Hong Kong ahead of the 2019–20 Oman Pentangular Series, I returned to the international scene in May 2022, being named in Hong Kong’s squad for the 2022 Uganda Cricket World Cup Challenge League B tournament.
Conclusion
My cricketing journey has been filled with memorable achievements and experiences, and I continue to strive for excellence both on and off the field. Thank you for being a part of my cricketing adventure.
Notable Performances
On 16 February 2017, I partnered with Anshuman Rath to score 197 runs for the third wicket against the Netherlands in the ICC World Cricket League Championship, setting a List A record for Hong Kong. In December 2017, I became the first Hong Kong batsman to score a double century in first-class cricket, with an unbeaten 214 against Papua New Guinea in the ICC Intercontinental Cup.
Awards
2014
1st Man of Match
2017
T20 Canada Champions
2013
In Nepal
2017
NEPAL
2024
QATAR
2022
BLITZ
2022
HONG KONG
2024
MALAYSIA