World T20 qualifier between Hong Kong and Afghanistan to be investigated for fixing

Hong Kong players celebrate after the victory over Afghanistan

An investigation is to take place into the World T20 qualifier between Afghanistan and Hong Kong played in Dublin on Tuesday.

The ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) noticed unusual betting patterns on the game. They are now to speak to leading betting firms, including Betfair, in an attempt to gain a greater understanding of what occurred.

Hong Kong claimed a sensational last-ball victory over Afghanistan on Tuesday, booking a place at the 2016 World T20 in India. This will be their second appearance at the world event. Recent reports will remove some of the gloss from their victory.

The last over of the match in question was as dramatic as cricket finishes come – with 16 to get off the last 6, two wickets fell. Babar Hayat scored 15 runs off four balls, hitting two runs off the final delivery to give Hong Kong victory by five wickets

Afghanistan, the losers of the match, still stand a good chance of making it to the T20 World Cup. They play Papua New Guinea on Thursday in the third qualifying play-off.

Hong Kong will compete in the group stage at the Twenty20 World Cup finals in India, along with seven other countries. The top two teams advance to the Super 10 stage where they join the top eight teams in the ICC Championship rankings.

That is a fantastic achievement by Hong Kong cricket team, beating Afghanistan at the death. Congrats! #wt20q pic.twitter.com/x2SZJBQYP4

— Will Davies (@WillMHDavies) July 21, 2015