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Scotland Beat Hong Kong in Second T20 International

Hong Kong Win Braidwood Cup 2016

Scotland soundly beat Hong Kong in the second T20 international, and final fixture of the Braidwood Cup, on the back some tight bowling and Kyle Coetzer man of the match performance – Coetzer scored 70 off 40 balls which included six 6s.

Earlier, Hong Kong, who won the toss and decided to bowl first, dismissed Scotland opener George Munsey with the third ball of the match. His opening partner Coetzer however picked up regular boundaries to get Scotland back on track. He found support from Matthew Cross who scored four straight boundaries off Hong Kong skipper Tanwir Afzal. Cross scored 27 in the innings, second highest score for Scotland.

Haseeb Amjad and Nadeem Ahmed each took three wickets for Hong Kong and Scotland finished the innings at 161/9.

T20: Scotland v Hong Kong - 31 January, 2016

Hong Kong’s response did not begin well as Jamie Atkinson was caught off the first ball. The situation did not improve for the home side as they found themselves 8/4 after three overs.

Captain Tanwir Afzal restored some hopes for Hong Kong after he belted 30 runs in one over which included four 6s. He finished with 56 runs off 22 balls. Aizaz Khan also gave Hong Kong a late push with 20. But it was too little too late as Hong Kong ended the match 124 all out.

Bradley Wheal was the best bowler of the match with 3/20 off four overs. Richie Berrington also took 3 wickets for Scotland.

With Hong Kong’s victory in the shortened game yesterday, they split the Twenty20 series. Hong Kong won the only ODI and clinched the first ever Braidwood Cup series 2-1.

T20: Scotland v Hong Kong - 31 January, 2016

T20 Hong Kong v Scotland – 30 January, 2016

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An enthusiastic crowd saw Hong Kong beat Scotland in the first ever officially recognised T20 International to take place in Hong Kong.
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T20: Hong Kong Beat Scotland by Nine Wickets

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Hong Kong beat Scotland by nine wickets in a shortened inaugural Twenty20 International match at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.

Babar Hayat took the Man of the Match honours, scoring 26 not out in the 10 overs a side match. “I just went in and had a look at a few balls. I targeted their off-spinner. If it was in my range, I just went for it.”

The game was delayed due to a wet ground but when play started, Hong Kong won the toss and decided to field first – and took the first wicket just five balls into the match. A great start to the first ever ICC recognised T20 international to take place in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s bowlers took wickets at regular intervals to keep the powerful Scottish batting order in check. George Munsey was the highest scorer for Scotland with 17 runs, Calum MacLeod scored 16 before he was run out. Scotland finished the 10 overs with 66/7.

Haseeb Amjad led the Hong Kong bowlers with 1/8 off his two overs. Nadeem Ahmed followed closely with 1/9.

Hong Kong v Scotland- 30 January 2016

Opening batsman Jamie Atkinson hit a four off the first ball of Hong Kong’s innings and some attacking batting brought him a tally of 20 runs off seven balls before he was caught in the third over. His opening partner Anshuman Rath scored 20 not out. It was number three batsman Babar Hayat who took the spotlight with 26 runs off 14 balls. A big six in the seventh over sealing Hong Kong’s victory.

Safyaan Sharif took the only wicket for Scotland for 15 runs.

Hong Kong v Scotland- 30 January 2016

The second T20 international between Hong Kong and Scotland will start tomorrow at 1pm.

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Hong Kong to host Scotland in Braidwood Cup Series

The new year starts a with a treat for local cricket fans as Hong Kong play at home, for first time since 2011, as the host Scotland in the Braidwood Cup. The series features the first One Day International & First Class Cricket matches on Chinese soil

In a nod to the visitors and as recognition of Hong Kong’s Scottish heritage, and deeply rooted, though perhaps surprising, cricketing links, the Hong Kong Cricket Association has created an overall series prize, the Braidwood Cup, for the incoming tour. The Cup is named after Scottish expatriate William Drew Braidwood, who founded the Craigengower Cricket Club (CCC) in 1894, the second oldest such club in the territory after the Hong Kong Cricket Club (est. in 1851).

The Braidwood Cup will feature eight days of world-class cricket including the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup match, two One Day International (ODI) matches played as part of the ICC World Cricket League Championship and two Twenty20 (T20) Internationals.

Hong Kong have made giant strides on the international scene since they last played at home 5 years ago, securing ODI status in 2014 after finishing third in the 2014 Cricket World Cup Qualifier and gaining T20 International status in 2013 after qualifying for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.

“We’re a different team now to that of 2011,” said HKCA Director of Cricket Charlie Burke, “The players have worked hard for the past five years and we are a much different side. We’re excited about the Braidwood Cup as the players have not had the chance to play in front of our home crowds in several years.”

Hong Kong’s strengths at present revolve more around short form cricket, with Scotland seemingly having the upper hand in the impending Intercontinental Cup clash.

“Scotland have played about 400 games of First Class cricket, compared to Hong Kong with two. Their players are heavily involved in County Cricket in the United Kingdom, so they have more experience in the format, but we have nothing to lose and I’m sure the team will play that much bigger in front of their families and friends,” said Burke.

The First Class, Intercontinental Cup (I-Cup) is the ICC’s Test Cricket pathway tournament, featuring the best eight teams outside of the top 10, or test playing nations.

The winner of the three-year, single round, I-Cup series will play a home and away “test challenge” against the lowest ranked test side. If the I-Cup winner is successful in that series, they will qualify as a Test nation for the next four-year cycle, allowing them to compete in the sport’s highest echelon of the traditional, five-day form.

After the conclusion of the I-Cup, Hong Kong will host two ICC World Cricket League Championship (WCLC) matches. The WCLC is contested by the next eight teams outside of the twelve-team top-tier ODI nations, which includes Associate members Afghanistan and Ireland. The games will be played in the same 50-over ODI format as the World Cup.

The WCLC matches are a priority for Hong Kong as it is the primary pathway for teams to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) in the United Kingdom in 2019. Following the conclusion of the WCLC in 2017, the top half of teams will advance to the CWC qualification tournament in 2018.

Hong Kong (world ODI ranking 15th) is currently first on the World Cricket League Championship table, while Scotland (ranked 13th) is fourth after the tournament’s second round.

“We’re focusing pretty heavily on the World Cricket League Championship’s ODI matches as they format is more conducive to our strengths at the moment than four-day cricket and they offer an opportunity for us to play in the World Cup,” said Burke. “Our goal for the Series is to hold our position at the top of the WCLC table and to prepare for the upcoming World Twenty20.”

Hong Kong who have qualified for the World Twenty20 in India in March-April 2016, are in the same pool as Scotland, along with Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in Group B.

After the WCLC matches, two Twenty20 Internationals will be held as the Association concludes the Series with some big-hitting entertainment for the fans. The final weekend of the competition will also feature exhibition games of HKCA women’s and youth cricket, showcasing the strength of the game in the SAR.

Hong Kong will revel in the opportunity to play at home for the first time in over three years, promises Burke: “We have a young, exciting team, whose average age is just 20 years old. Most of these players have never had the opportunity to represent Hong Kong in front of their families and friends so this is a huge occasion for them; I expect it will be an emotional lift for the players.

“Scotland is a very good side. They’re aggressive and their batsmen like to put bowlers under pressure. The combination of their batting strength and our bowling attack is going to make for some exciting cricket. It will be a good contest between two of the strongest associate nations in world cricket,” Burke added.

“It is great to be able to play at home. There is a definite home advantage in cricket, more so than in other sports because of the importance of the playing surface and how those surfaces differ in every country. The players are familiar with Mission Road, they play a lot of club cricket there and train there as well so there will be no excuses” said Burke.

Burke’s sentiment was echoed by HKCA Chief Executive Officer Tim Cutler who thanked the Government for its continued support: “We’re hugely thankful to the Hong Kong Government and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for all of the work that they have put into Mission Road to bring it up to international standard. We now have a home for cricket and are intent on ensuring that our team, with one of the highest world rankings of any Hong Kong sport, has more opportunities to play at home to help grow the local game”

“William Drew Braidwood’s name is a fitting choice for this historic trophy,” Cutler added, “Besides founding CCC, a club that welcomed members from all corners of the community. Braidwood is also credited with initiating discussions in 1903 to establish the first formal cricket league in Hong Kong; the competition for which the HKCA was formed to administer in 1968. Remarkable achievements by a remarkable man,” Cutler concluded.

The Hong Kong Cricket Association is intent on making Mission Road the home of Hong Kong Cricket and has confirmed that all of the Braidwood Cup Series matches will feature free admission to the public areas of the ground.

HKCA Braidwood Cup Series
All matches will be held at Mission Road Cricket Ground
ICC Intercontinental Cup: Thursday – Sunday, 21-24 January
ICC World Cricket League Championship: Tuesday & Thursday, 26 & 28 January
Twenty20 Matches: Saturday – Sunday, 30-31 January

T20: Hong Kong Beat Afghanistan by Four Wickets

Hong Kong cruised to a comfortable four-wicket win after chasing down 163 in the last over against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Tanwir Afzal blitzed a 22-ball 42, an innings that featured two fours and three sixes, to swing the momentum in Hong Kong’s favour after they were stuttering at 89 for 4 in the 12th over.

Hong Kong’s chase began slowly and the team soon also lost Kinchit Shah in the third over for 2. Though they managed to stitch substantial partnerships thereafter through brisk contributions from Babar Hayat (35 off 18), Mark Chapman (22) and Nizakat Khan (26), frequent wickets meant Afghanistan were still in with a shot.

Afzal and Nizakat added 55 for the fifth wicket in just 30 balls as the match drifted away from Afghanistan, and an equation of 24 off the last four overs was easily achieved in the end with two balls to spare. Karim Sadiq, Aftab Alam and Rokhan Barakzai picked up two wickets apiece.

Earlier, Afghanistan lost both their openers within the first four overs after choosing to bat. Asghar Stanikzai (51) then struck a counterattacking half-century and combined with Sadiq (22) and Samiullah Shenwari (34) in stands of 34 and 63 respectively to set up a strong platform for a late surge. Shafiqullah provided the required impetus late in the innings with a 16-ball 30 to lift Afghanistan to a score of 162 for 6.

Additional reporting: Cricinfo

Babar Hayat and Mark Chapman Smash Hong Kong to Victory

Mark Chapman bludgeoned a six to complete a consolation win, as he and Babar Hayat put on an unbeaten 127-run partnership to lead Hong Kong to an eight-wicket victory in the final T20I against Oman in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (26 November).

Chasing 150 for victory, both Babar (65*) and Chapman (63*) struck their highest ever T20I scores in a third-wicket partnership that spanned 14 overs. Their stand was the fifth-highest for the third wicket in T20I history, and the highest ever by an Associate side. It is also the highest-ever partnership in Hong Kong’s T20I and ODI history.

Both batsmen were still at the crease when Chapman struck a mighty six to take the side to 155 for the loss of only two wickets in 18.3 overs. The win also proved a consolation victory in the three-match series, after Oman won the first T20I by six wickets and the second by four runs.

Babar’s historic knock is the highest-ever T20I innings by a Hong Kong player, and came off only 45 deliveries, including four fours and three sixes. Chapman’s innings is the second-highest for Hong Kong, and came from 41 balls, including three fours and three sixes.

The side looked like it might be in trouble when it lost opener Kinchit Shah (5) in the second over, and then Anshuman Rath (20) in the fifth over. However, the two hard hitters showed no signs of pressure as they pushed the ball around for singles in between the boundaries.

Babar brought up his half century with a boundary in the 15th over, while Chapman’s came two overs later after the pair scampered between the wickets for two runs.

Earlier, captain Tanwir Afzal won the toss and sent Oman in to bat, and the side quickly set about putting runs on the board. Khawar Ali (18) and Zeeshan Maqsood (23) put on 34 runs at a run rate of 9.71 before Haseeb Amjad struck in the fourth over to dismiss Khawar, caught at long on by Babar Hayat.

New batsman Aaqib Sulehri was helped back to the change rooms on the very next ball, with Haseeb’s delivery striking his foot and forcing him to retire hurt. After Aizaz Khan dismissed Zeeshan Maqsood four overs later, Adnan Ilyas (49) and Aamir Kaleem (46 not out) combined for a 101-run partnership, scoring at well above a run a ball until Haseeb struck on the last ball of the innings with a plumb delivery, knocking out the stumps to dismiss Adnan one run short of his half century, on 49 runs, to see Oman post a total of 149 for the loss of four wickets.

Hong Kong’s Aizaz and Haseeb each claimed two wickets.

Hong Kong captain Tanwir Afzal was thrilled with his side’s clinical performance: “I think our approach today was really good. I am so happy that throughout this long tour, we’ve had some injuries, but we still have had guys who’ve done really well with the ball and in the field. We’ve struggled a bit with the batting, but it worked in this game and hopefully it is a good sign for us looking forward to our next game against Afghanistan.”

The skipper believed that the victory will put his team in a good mindset for the final match of its tour, a one-off T20I against Afghanistan on Saturday. “I think today was a very comfortable win against Oman, I think we really worked hard and we learned a lot from the last two games, and it is good for us, going forward. We have a few changes in the batting order and different roles, so it is a really positive sign that we clicked in this game, and hopefully it will work in the future.”

Hong Kong Head Coach Simon Cook was delighted with the record-breaking partnership: “Babar and Mark came out and were outstanding, it’s as good a run-chase as I’ve seen in T20 cricket, you don’t often get 100-partnerships in T20, and we’ve had one of the best ones here. To get an over-par score and knock it off with nine balls remaining was an outstanding effort. The two guys who got runs today really took ownership of that partnership, and ownership of the game, and they controlled it and really never let Oman into the game from probably the 10th over onwards.”

He believed that his charges would take some valuable lessons from the series loss to prepare for Saturday’s one-off T20I against Afghanistan. “The first two games, I think the word ‘frustrating’ was used, and I would probably use it again today – it is frustrating because if we’d played half as well yesterday as we did today, we would have probably taken this series 3-0. But as it is, we go down 2-1, but having learned a lot of really good lessons.”

“The win will fill the guys with a lot of confidence, certainly with a run-chase as emphatic as that. The Afghan bowlers will provide a challenging test for our guys, and also with the ball as well. So there is still a lot of work to do, but a lot of confidence can be taken from this run chase and how it was constructed, and how it was finished off in such a clinical fashion.”

Scotland to Tour Hong Kong!

Hong Kong confirmed to host first ever One Day Internationals as Scotland to tour in January 2016.

The Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) today announced that it will host Scotland’s men’s national team here in January 2016. The tour will feature the first ever One Day Internationals (ODIs) held on Hong Kong – or Chinese – soil.

The announcement was made after the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground (known as Mission Road) as an ODI venue, the first in East Asia. The ICC had sent two representatives a fortnight ago – including former Australian Test Cricketer and now ICC Match Referee David Boon – to inspect the LCSD-run facility, which will also host the city’s inaugural First Class and Twenty20 International (T20I) matches during the same tour.

HKCA CEO Tim Cutler commented on how important the approval is and also discussed other possible future international cricket events in Hong Kong. “The approval of Mission Road is a historic event for Hong Kong cricket and I would like to thank the HKCA staff and volunteers who worked on this project. Moreover, the assistance from the LCSD was amazing and this would not have been possible without their help, especially from Ms Ada Lau who oversee the ground’s management and Mr Cameron Hodgkins who heads up the Sports Turf Management Section”.

“It is fitting that the first nation to play ODI cricket against us here is Scotland. The Scots have long proud history in Hong Kong and we have already initiated discussions with various local Scottish community groups to ensure these matches are properly publicised and celebrated. We have some great ideas about how to make this a great event – a true festival of cricket – and we look forward to announcing more details soon.”

“I also think that the matches will actually be the highest (by world ranking) sporting event involving a Hong Kong team, ever hosted here. On the topic of grounds, we are continuing our discussions with the government and its appointed agents about accommodating cricket appropriately at the proposed Kai Tak Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. There is real opportunity here for us to develop a beacon here for cricket in East Asia whilst assisting the HKCA as it strives to be a leader for emerging cricket nations globally. There are numerous international cricket events that we could host in Hong Kong, with the right facilities.”

“With talk of cricket’s inclusion at the Olympics increasing, I think it is critical we do not overlook the opportunity to provide a world-class facility where we could also host women’s and under-age World Cup events. Twenty20 matches (or franchises) from the hugely successful Indian Premier League and Australian Big Bash Leagues are also an option. We could even provide a neutral test venue. All of these would generate immense global interest and the potential TV revenue alone makes this a very exciting prospect, along with the obvious exposure for Hong Kong itself.”

Cutler continued “Even in preliminary talks, the ICC is very excited about the prospect of Hong Kong being able to host such matches and we’ll ensure a direct line of communication is developed so that they can shed light on the potential with the government.”

Scotland’s tour in January will include the first class, four-day Intercontinental Cup match, two World Cricket League games which will hold full-ODI status and two Twenty20 Internationals. The two T20i ties are to be confirmed.

Hong Kong is currently 10th in the T20I rankings, and 16th in ODIs. Scotland are 12th and 14th in the respective tables.

After recent strong results in the UAE, Hong Kong could improve its ranking to 13th with wins over Scotland.

Proposed Tour Itinerary – Hong Kong v. Scotland
(All Matches at Mission Road, Tin Kwong Road, Kowloon District):

21 – 24 January: ICC Intercontinental Cup (Four-day, first class match)
26 & 28 January: ICC World Cricket League Championship (Fifty over, One Day Internationals)
30 & 31 January: Twenty20 Internationals

Hong Kong Succumb to Pakistan’s Pace in 64 Run Loss

Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by 64 runs in a thrilling twenty20 clash in Dubai on Monday.

Chasing 168 for victory, Mark Chapman scored a 39-ball half century and Anshuman Rath contributed 18 to anchor the Hong Kong innings, but the side lost wickets regularly to be dismissed for 103 runs in 17.1 overs.

Pakistan may have momentarily regretted electing to bat, with opener Ahmed Shehzad dismissed with the first ball of the match. However, Rafatullah Mohmand (25) and number three Sohaib Maqsood (25) steadied the ship, before Mohammad Rizwan starred with an unbeaten 38-ball 55.

Aamer Yamin added 27 more, while number eight Anwar Ali struck 16 from only eight deliveries to help boost Pakistan’s run rate in the final overs. Babar Hayat took a screaming catch to dismiss Anwir on the last ball of the innings, a catch that was also Haseeb Amjad’s third wicket for the day. Haseeb finished the pick of the Hong Kong bowlers with three for 38, which Anshuman Rath claimed two for 30, and Tanwir Afzal and Aizaz Khan took one apiece.

In reply, Hong Kong lost two early wickets and only had 11 runs on the board when vice captain Mark Chapman came to the crease. Opener Anshuman Rath added a vital 18 runs from 19 deliveries, but it was Chapman’s knock, which included five fours and two sixes, that got the Hong Kong innings back on track.

It was with a four that Chapman brought up his half century, but he was caught next ball to leave Hong Kong precariously balanced at 82 for six after 12.2 overs. Hong Kong’s tail failed to wag in the last few overs. Finally, Hong Kong closed on 103 all out after 17.1 overs.

Hong Kong has three T20Is remaining in its tour of the UAE.

Result
Pakistan won by 64 runs
Toss – Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first

Pakistan 167/7, 20 overs
Mohammad Rizwan 55*, Aamer Yamin 27, Rafatullah Mohmand 25, Sohaib Maqsood 25
Haseeb Amjad 3/38, Anshuman Rath 2/30, Tanwir Afzal 1/25, Aizaz Khan 1/32

Hong Kong 103 all out, 17.1 overs
Mark Chapman 50, Anshuman Rath 18, Waqas Khan 10
Bilal Asif 2/13, Shahid Afridi 2/21, Sohail Tanvir 1/8, Aamer Yamin 1/29