GROUP D: Hong Kong v Maldives at Tribhuvan University Ground

Man of the Match, Irfan Ahmed of Hong Kong

Hong Kong beat the Maldives by 156 runs in front of a fair-sized crowd at Tribhuvan to keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

Their batting has yet to click however, as too many of their competent strokeplayers are finding ways to get out just when they’re set for a substantial score. Gary Brierly’s run-out when he was 16 being a prime example.

207 was a little under-par and the Maldives were certainly not embarrassed by their display in the field. Maldives’ spinners in particular were a constant threat to Hong Kong’s batsmen. Hong Kong’s bowlers however are in a different class and their athleticism and good techniques saw them knock over the Maldives inside 20 overs. Irfan Ahmed took 6-15 with his angled seamers.

Filed November 14 2005