Kuwait have laid down a marker ahead of the upcoming Asian sub-regional qualifier for the next men's T20 World Cup after winning a tri-series in Kuala Lumpur that also involved the hosts and Hong Kong.

Kuwait's only slip up in the tri-series was a defeat against hosts Malaysia in the second game. That win was the only one for the hosts in the tournament, with them losing both games against Hong Kong, who were the other team in today's final at the Selangor Turf Club.

Kuwait captain Mohammed Aslam won the toss and asked Hong Kong to bat first. After Martin Coetzee was out in the first over, a partnership of 92 for the second wicket between Zeeshan Ali and Nizakat Khan provided the spine to the Hong Kong innings before Ali fell for 50 from 39 balls.

The scoring rate reduced from this point - Khan falling two short of his fifty in the 17th over - but Hong Kong still managed what was in the context of the tri-series a competitive 146-5 from their 20 overs. 

Kuwait opener Ravija Sandaruwan had other ideas though as he clubbed an unbeaten 102 from only 48 balls to secure an eight wicket win with 6.1 overs to spare.

Kuwait celebrate with the trophy (Cricket Kuwait)

All three sides will play in the first of two Asian sub-regional qualifiers that begins on Saturday, also in Malaysia. The other four teams involved will be Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar and Singapore.