Hong Kong are dark horses for the tournament. Thoroughbreds with undeniable pedigree, they have match-winners in fast-bowler Afzaal haider, all-rounders Khalid Butt and Ilyas Gull as well as that class-oozing campaigner Rahul Sharma.

Teenagers Courtney Kruger and the Ahmed brothers Nadeem and Irfan will impress too, but Hong Kong have found themselves in recent ACC tournaments to be just a couple of cutting-edge players short of what’s necessary to beat the other sides thrusting up the ACC ranks. Still, what they have is knowledge of what needs to be done and in games where a cool head is decisive, captain Tim Smart will ensure that they prevail.

The team’s coaching and support staff are amongst the best in the region.

ACC Trophy 2004: Knocked out at group-stage.