Norway vs Hungary, 3rd Match, ICC Mens T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier B, 2026

Date: July 8, 2026
Venue: Svanholm Park, Brondby

In a thrilling contest, Hungary narrowly edged out Norway by just 1 run in a nail-biting finish. Hungary's innings was powered by key performances from Saif Ul Islam and Kuruge Abeyrathna, while Muhammad Saqlain shone with the ball for Norway. The match was marked by crucial contributions and dramatic moments that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Match Summary

Hungary batted first after winning the toss and chose to set a target for Norway. They scored 140 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performances came from Kuruge Abeyrathna, who scored 42 runs off 35 balls with a strike rate of 120, and Saif Ul Islam, who contributed 33 runs off 31 balls. The Norwegian bowling attack was led by Muhammad Saqlain, who took an impressive 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs.

Norway's chase started cautiously but fell agonizingly short, finishing at 139/7 in their 20 overs. Muhammad Soban played a crucial innings of 48 runs off 47 balls but could not steer his team to victory. Kamran Wahid provided some late fireworks with a quickfire 24 off just 9 balls, but it was not enough to overcome Hungary's total.

Key Performances

• Batting Highlights:

  • Kuruge Abeyrathna (Hungary): Top-scored with a vital 42 runs from 35 balls, including three boundaries and one six.
  • Saif Ul Islam (Hungary): Supported well with a steady knock of 33 runs from 31 balls.

• Bowling Highlights:

  • Muhammad Saqlain (Norway): Claimed the best bowling figures of the match with 3/29 in his full quota of overs.

• Notable Contributions:

  • Muhammad Soban (Norway): Top-scored for Norway with a patient knock of 48 runs.

• Fielding Highlights:

  • Khizer Ahmed was exceptional behind the stumps for Hungary, contributing to two dismissals including one stumping and one run-out.

Turning Points

• The dismissal of Muhammad Soban was pivotal as he was anchoring Norway's chase. His run-out by Ibrahim Rahimi and Khizer Ahmed tilted the balance in favor of Hungary.
• Kamran Wahid's explosive innings gave Norway hope towards the end but his dismissal by Qamar Mushtaque ensured Hungary stayed on top.
• Ahmadullah Shinwari’s early breakthroughs put Norway on the back foot during their chase.

The match concluded with Hungary celebrating a narrow victory in this closely contested T20 encounter, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability that T20 cricket offers.