Atkinson, Ehsan script crucial Hong Kong victory

Hong Kong kept its hopes of making it to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier alive by moving up to fourth place on the World Cricket League Championship points table following an 83-run win over Nepal in Mong Kok on Friday (October 13).

With the bat, it was James Atkinson, the opener, who did the bulk of the scoring, while Ehsan Khan, the off-spinner, led the way with a five-wicket haul to architect Hong Kong’s victory. His 5 for 17, coupled with the 3 for 14 from Aizaz Khan, the medium pacer, helped bowl Nepal out for 111 in 34.5 overs after Hong Kong had put up 194.

Chasing the modest target, three of Nepal’s batsmen got into the 20s, but could not convert them to big scores. Paras Khadka, the captain, top scored with 26 off 46 balls and Gyanendra Malla (21) and Aarif Sheikh (23) gave Nepal hope, but only just.

Aizaz and Ehsan struck at regular intervals, while tidy spells from the other bowlers – pacemen Tanwir Afzal, Ehsan Nawaz and Kyle Christie – helped Hong Kong’s cause.

Earlier, put into bat by Nepal, Hong Kong lost Anshuman Rath for a duck, but Atkinson compiled a patient 76 off 117 deliveries studded with nine fours and a six. Babar Hayat, the skipper batting at No. 3, got to 29 off 26 balls before being run out by Dipendra Airee.

Even though Atkinson did his job, Hayat’s dismissal triggered a collapse of sorts with Sandeep Lamichhane, the leg-spinner, and Basant Regmi, the left-arm spinner, causing the bulk of the damage to reduce Hong Kong to 119 for 7.

Hong Kong looked set to finish on a poor score, but Afzal hit an unbeaten 38 off 42 balls to help them along after Atkinson finally fell with the total on 144. Coming in at No. 9, Afzal put the long handle to good use hitting three fours and as many sixes in quick time to give Hong Kong a good chance, which the bowlers later built on.

For Nepal, Lamichhane finished with 3 for 48, while Regmi and Karan KC, the paceman, chipped in with two wickets apiece.