The first ever fixture of the Women’s Premier League will be played as a curtain raiser to Hong Kong’s Twenty20 International clash against Scotland at Tin Kwong Road Recreational Ground on Sunday 31 January, 2016.
The “Sail” squad will take on the “Bauhinia” squad, with the first ball being bowled at 8:15am, in a match that aims at providing a “best vs the best” competition to minimise the gap between club and international representative cricket.
With the lure of playing in major global tournaments and gaining support from Hong Kong Sports Institute, 2016 is an important year for women’s cricket in Hong Kong. The premier league tournament will give national selectors an opportunity to observe how the players perform under pressure.
After spending time with Melbourne Renegades as an Associate Rookie in the Women’s Big Bash League, “Bauhinia” captain Mariko Hill is back in Hong Kong and ready to bring her experience to the team.
“Mariko Hill will no doubt open the bowling and bat in the top four. Her pace is as quick as anyone’s in associate women’s cricket. It will be great to see if she can develop her bowling at an end of an innings also.” said Director of Cricket and Women’s Head Coach Charlie Burke.
“Her WBBL experience will help the squad by understanding how important preparation is and also showing that there are a lot of opportunities now opening up in women’s cricket outside of Hong Kong.”
The Women’s Premier League will be a three-match series and form the main selection guide for the Hong Kong squad over the coming 12 months.
“I think we might get a few surprises with some other players stepping up and keen to take on extra responsibilities within the team,” said Burke.
The second fixture will be played on the 7th of February at 1pm. The third game will be scheduled shortly.
Women’s Premier League
Date: 8:15am, 31 January, 2016
Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreational Ground
Tickets: Free