Dhaka: Afghanistan beat Hong Kong by 66 runs in their must-win qualifying round match of Asia Cup T20 held on Monday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur.

Chasing a winning target of 179 runs set by Afghanistan, Hong Kong found the chase stiff losing wickets in regular intervals and finally dismissed at 112 in 17.1 overs, despite a solid 56-run opening stand by Anshuman (41) and KD Shah (29).

Mohammad Nabi caused the major damage for Hong Kong picking up four wickets for 17 runs.  

Afghanistan now have to hope UAE lost to Oman to have a chance of qualifying for the main round. Earlier, Afghanistan, rode on a breezy knock by Najibullah Zadran (60) and Asghar Stanikzai (49), piled up a challenging total of 178 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs, after they were forced to bat first by Hong Kong.

Aizaz Khan picked up three wickets of Hong Kong team for 38 runs.