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Bangladesh trounce Hong Kong in Cup opener

Hong Kong's campaign at the Youth Asia Cup in Singapore began on a damp note yesterday with Bangladesh scoring an eight-wicket victory in a rain-shortened match.

Heavy rain delayed the start of Hong Kong's first group game in the eight-team tournament. It was only after lunch that play resumed with the umpires deciding that the game would be reduced to 25 overs.

Put in to bat, Hong Kong scored 110 for four. Vice-captain Alex French top-scored with an elegant 56, while skipper Roy Lamsam hit 20.

'Our top-order batsmen struggled and managed to score only 50 runs in the first 15 overs. In the end, we did post a creditable target thanks to some fine batting from French and Lamsam,' said manager Julian Harness.

Needing to score at 4.4 runs per over, the Bangladesh openers went on the rampage, hitting 40 runs in the first four overs. Hong Kong's opening bowlers, Brendon Harding and Neeraj Savalani, were treated contemptuosly as the Bangladeshis set the foundation for an easy win.

Bangladesh reached 111 for two in the 21st over to begin their title defence on a convincing note.

Hong Kong will meet the United Arab Emirates today. There final group game will be against Malaysia tomorrow. The SAR need to win both these games to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

The top two teams from this tournament will book berths at January's Youth World Cup in Sri Lanka.

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