Belgium Hold Off Ghani Onslaught to Win 455-Run Thriller Against Hungary

Belgium won by 11 runs in the 102nd match of 132 in the 2026 T20 International calendar at Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground, Romania. In a match that produced 455 runs from 40 overs, Belgium posted a formidable 233/4 before Abbas Ghani‘s extraordinary 90 off 49 nearly dragged Hungary to an unlikely victory.

First Innings – Belgium 233/4 (20 overs)

Hadisullah Tarakhel (20 off 10, 2 fours, 1 six, SR 200) fell caught at 25 in over 1.6 after a blistering start. Aziz Mohammad Babarkrkhail took charge with 61 off 42 (9 fours, 1 six, SR 145) and put on 75 with Omid Rahimi (31 off 17, 3 fours, 2 sixes, SR 182) – the pair taking Belgium from 25/1 to 100 before Rahimi was caught at 100 in over 9.2. Muhammad Sheraz Sheikh (57 off 32, 7 fours, 2 sixes, SR 178) combined with Babarkrkhail for another big partnership. Babarkrkhail fell caught at 144 in over 13.3, and Sheikh continued blasting until he was caught at 218 in over 18.3. Burhan Niaz finished unbeaten on 34 off 15 (3 fours, 2 sixes, SR 227), and Ahmad Khalid Ahmadzai (10* off 8, 1 six) helped Belgium post 233/4.

Said Sadat was Hungary’s most effective bowler with 2/45 from 4 overs. Ibrar Ahmad (1/42 from 4, Econ 10.50) and Robert John Ainsworth (1/50 from 4) also took wickets but went at high economy rates.

Second Innings – Hungary 222/7 (20 overs)

Abbas Ghani was phenomenal, smashing 90 off 49 balls (8 fours, 6 sixes, SR 184). He opened with Vinoth Ravindran (38 off 16, 4 fours, 3 sixes, SR 238) and the pair put on 80 in just 6.4 overs before Ravindran was caught. Muhammad Soban (33 off 27, 4 fours) retired out to allow others a chance. Ghani was finally bowled at 155 in over 13.5. Maaz Bhaiji (17 off 10, 2 fours, 1 six) was bowled at 193 in over 17.5, Ali Nawaz (19 off 11, 3 fours) was run out at 205 in over 18.6, and Mark Des Fontaine (0) was caught at 193 in over 17.6. Hungary needed 12 from the last over but could manage only 222/7, falling 11 runs short.

Faisal Khaliq was Belgium’s best with 2/41 from 5 overs, while Ravi Thapliyal (1/24 from 3), Murid Ekrami (1/50 from 4) and Rashid Sohail Khan (1/60 from 4) shared the wickets.

Statz MVP

The Statz MVP is Abbas Ghani (Hungary) with a match impact rating of 91.92. Statz calculates impact based on match context, and Ghani’s 90 off 49 (8 fours, 6 sixes, SR 184) was comfortably the highest individual batting impact of the match despite finishing on the losing side. The official Man of the Match went to Aziz Mohammad Babarkrkhail for his 61 off 42 – Statz disagrees, rating Ghani’s innings higher.

Top 5 Statz Ratings

1. Abbas Ghani (HUN) – MI rating 91.92 – 90 off 49 (8 fours, 6 sixes, SR 184), almost pulled off an extraordinary chase.
2. Ibrar Ahmad (HUN) – MI rating 88.50 – 16 off 4 (SR 400) with the bat plus 1/42 bowling, explosive late cameo.
3. Vinoth Ravindran (HUN) – MI rating 78.32 – 38 off 16 (SR 238) batting plus 0/38 from 3 bowling.
4. Faisal Khaliq (BEL) – MI rating 70.61 – 2/41 from 5 overs, Belgium’s best bowler in a high-scoring game.
5. Muhammad Sheraz Sheikh (BEL) – MI rating 66.75 – 57 off 32 (7 fours, 2 sixes, SR 178), key innings in the first half.

Turning Point

The dismissal of Abbas Ghani, bowled at 155 in over 13.5, was the decisive moment. Hungary still needed 79 from 39 balls when their talisman departed. The remaining batters could not maintain his run rate, and the asking rate climbed above reach in the final overs.

Match Context

This was the 102nd match of 132 in the 2026 T20 International season at Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground, Romania. Belgium showed they can defend big totals under pressure, while Hungary can take heart from Ghani’s stunning knock. Head-to-head: Belgium 1 – Hungary 0.

Full scorecard: BEL vs HUN Scorecard