Afghanistan claimed their first ever win at the World Twenty20 by seven wickets against Hong Kong in Chittagong.

Captain Mohammad Shahzad's quickfire 68 and an unbeaten 51 from Shafiqullah, propelled Afghanistan past Hong Kong's 153 for eight with 12 balls to spare.

Victory keeps Afghanistan's faint hopes of reaching the Super 10 stage ahead of their final Group A match against Nepal on Thursday.

Only the top team from the four-strong group will progress to the main draw, with tournament hosts Bangladesh best-placed after their opening win over Afghanistan.

Shahzad's side were bowled out for just 72 in that match but, despite having not won at the World Twenty20 in their previous two trips to the tournament, began as favourites against a Hong Kong side making their debut.

Hong Kong lost their opener against fellow rookies Nepal, but were able to set a testing total after three of their top four – Waqas Barkat (32), Jamie Atkinson (31) and Mark Chapman (38) – made starts without going on.

Shahzad and Shafiqullah showed the importance on going on for more, however, especially the skipper as he thrashed his 68 from 53 balls at the top of the order to set-up the chase.

Shahzad hit three sixes, including an MS Dhoni-style 'helicopter' shot off Aizaz Khan, and while he was unable to finish the job Shafiqullah did, with a four that also brought up his half-century from 24 balls.