Knockout Shootout in Kowloon: The knockout phase of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 gets underway at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground (Mission Road) as Pool B third-place finishers Bangladesh (B3) face off against Pool D third-place finishers South Africa (D3) in Bowl Semi-Final 1 (Match 13)! Having both missed out on the Cup and Plate pathways following narrow opening-day reversals, Abu Hider Rony's Tigers and Jorich van Schalkwyk's Proteas now battle for a spot in Sunday's Bowl Final (competing for 9th overall). With both rosters stacked with big-hitting boundary clearers and specialized white-ball all-rounders, neither side will hold back in this 36-ball elimination contest. Stream every towering maximum, bowling change, and live scorecard directly on [[/channel/willow-sports-live-cricket-tv/:Willow by Cricbuzz]] via TrillerTV.
High-Stakes Path to the Bowl Trophy
The Hong Kong Sixes format ensures that every team stays in contention across the weekend. Teams that finish third in their respective opening pools are drawn into the Bowl bracket, with Saturday's semi-finals deciding who competes for silverware on Sunday.
For Bangladesh (B3), captained by experienced left-arm pacer Abu Hider Rony, Saturday represents a prime opportunity to bounce back. The Tigers posted competitive totals on Day 1—highlighted by 127/2 against Sri Lanka—behind aggressive stroke play from Sabbir Rahman Roman and Habibur Rahman Sohan. With all-round support from Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Ahrar Amin, Md Samiun Basir Ratul, and Chowdhury Md Rizwan, Bangladesh possess the boundary-hitting power to set or hunt down a 110+ target.
For South Africa (D3), led by Jorich van Schalkwyk and coached by Wandile Gwavu, execution under pressure remains the focus. After stumbling in tight finishes against Oman and Afghanistan on Friday, the Proteas will look to unleash top-order power-hitters Steve Stolk, Heath Richards, and Alindile Mhletywa. Backed by experienced seam-bowling all-rounder Ayabulela Gqamane alongside returning performers Abdullah Bayoumy and Blake Simpson, South Africa have the bowling variations to test Bangladesh's aggressive approach.
Squads & Key Players
Bangladesh Sixes Squad
Full Squad (7 Players): Abu Hider Rony (C), Sabbir Rahman Roman, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Ahrar Amin, Md Samiun Basir Ratul, Chowdhury Md Rizwan
Tactical Focus: Aggressive aerial clearing in the opening overs via Sabbir Rahman and Habibur Rahman, variations in pace and cutters from Abu Hider Rony, and left-arm angle bowling from Mrittunjoy Chowdhury.
South Africa Sixes Squad
Full Squad (7 Players): Jorich van Schalkwyk (C), Abdullah Bayoumy, Ayabulela Gqamane, Alindile Mhletywa, Heath Richards, Blake Simpson, Steve Stolk
Head Coach: Wandile Gwavu
Tactical Focus: Clean straight hitting through Steve Stolk and Jorich van Schalkwyk, disciplined lengths and change-of-pace deliveries from Ayabulela Gqamane, and off-pace variations from Abdullah Bayoumy.