Historic first for Hong Kong cricket as Babar Hayat makes first-class century against UAE

A sensational maiden first-class century for Babar Hayat led Hong Kong to a commanding 307 for six at stumps on day one of their ICC Intercontinental clash against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday.  

Read more: Skipper Tanwir hits century and takes two wickets

On a day of many firsts, Hayat’s 113 was also the maiden century for Hong Kong in first-class cricket and the highest individual score by a Hong Kong player in the ICC Intercontinental Cup. 

Hayat put on a 106-run partnership with debutant Kinchit Shah (62) for the second wicket and a 139-run partnership with skipper Tanwir Afzal (90 not out) for the sixth wicket, the highest sixth-wicket partnership of the tournament as well as the fourth highest overall.

Kinchit was one of four young players to make their international debut during the match, and opened the batting alongside fellow debutant Anshuman Rath (9), who timed the opening ball of the match perfectly to score a boundary. Chris Carter scored seven and Aizaz Khan was still at the crease on eight at stumps.

The loudest cheers of the day, however, were for 23-year-old Hayat, who battled through 83 overs of heavy dust and ever-changing wind to reach his milestone.

"It was great out there. Scoring 100 for Hong Kong is great. It’s the first first-class 100 for Hong Kong, and I am so proud of myself," said Babar.

However, he was quick to point out the roles of the other batsmen.