Babar Hayat struck an unbeaten century in a crucial 128-run partnership with Ehsan Khan as Hong Kong posted 261 for seven against Nepal in their final group match of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

Hong Kong, opting in to bat after winning the toss at Bayuemas Cricket Oval, appeared to be in serious trouble at 133-7 before Hayat and Khan rescued the innings. Their unbeaten eighth-wicket stand, worth 128 from 115 balls, lifted Hong Kong to a competitive total of 261.

Hayat finished unbeaten on 117 from 126 balls, hitting seven fours and seven sixes. He had to leave the field briefly after being injured while batting but returned to complete his innings. He dramatically reached his century in the final over, hitting Gulshan Jha for a four and a six from the second and third deliveries.

Khan remained unbeaten on 35 from 46 balls, with five fours.

The late recovery came after Nepal's spinners had reduced Hong Kong to 133 for seven in the 31st over. Sandeep Lamichhane took four wickets for 44 runs from his 10 overs, while Sher Malla claimed three for 27.

Malla struck twice early, removing openers Anshuman Rath for 13 and Zeeshan Ali for 15. Kalhan Challu made nine before falling to Lamichhane, while Kinchit Devang Shah was stumped without scoring. Captain Yasim Murtaza was dismissed for five and Aizaz Khan for nine, both by Lamichhane.

Shahid Wasif provided some resistance with 45 from 49 balls, hitting seven fours, before Malla dismissed him.

Nepal's pace attack struggled to contain the final assault. Karan KC conceded 62 runs from seven overs without taking a wicket, while Jha gave away 40 runs in his three overs.

The match is crucial for Hong Kong's qualification hopes. Nepal have already secured a semi-final place after winning their first three matches and will top Group A if they beat Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, meanwhile, need victory to stay in contention for the semi-finals. They have four points from three matches, level with Malaysia, who have completed all four group games but currently hold the advantage on net run rate. A Hong Kong defeat would send Malaysia through.