Canada records second win in qualifiers

Canada notched up its second win in three matches when it defeated Hong Kong by eight wickets in a Group A match in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012 at the ICC GCA No.1 on Thursday.

Hong Kong failed to repeat its Wednesday's performance, which had helped it to stun Bermuda, and was restricted to 81 for eight after it had elected to bat first. Only Babar Hayat batted with any confidence or authority while scoring 36 which came off 43 balls and included a four and a six.

Junaid Siddiqui was Canada's most successful bowler with three for 17 while Manninder Aulakh (two for eight) and Rizwan Cheema (two for 12) also bowled well.

Canada was never in any danger and achieved the target in 14 overs with eight wickets intact. Hiral Patel scored run-a-ball 40, which included five fours, while Nitesh Kumar scored a 22 not out.

Siddiqui, who was declared man of the match, later said: "I have been working really hard in the build-up to the tournament.

"This is the main stage where we want to do well for Canada, perform, and take wickets.

"Each and every game we are playing, we are taking it really seriously. I think we did everything right today.

'We want to make the T20 World Cup and we are working hard towards it. Our main goal is to make it to a T20 World Cup. We think the way we play is better suited for T20 games and as a team we look to the T20 World Cup more than the 50-over World Cup.

Scores in brief

Canada beat Hong Kong by eight wickets at ICC GCA, Oval 1.

Hong Kong 81-8, 20 overs (Babar Hayat 36; Junaid Siddiqui 3-17, Manninder Aulakh 2-8, Rizwan Cheema 2-12)

Canada 84-2, 14 overs (Hiral Patel 40, Nitesh Kumar 22 not out)

Man of the match - Junaid Siddiqui