Munir Dar, the 'dad' of the Hong Kong team at 37, produced another match-winning performance yesterday to propel his team into tomorrow's Asian Cricket Council Twenty20 final in Kathmandu.
Dar (pictured) scored 76 not out to spearhead a three-wicket win over Oman in their semi-final. Hong Kong, who are already assured of a berth in the world qualifiers for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20, now meet Afghanistan in the final.
Victory looked a long way off when the team, chasing 143 for victory, stumbled to 74 for six at the end of the 12th over. But Dar, who has been in fantastic touch with both bat and ball, did not panic and, with Aizaz Khan, guided Hong Kong home.
Dar's unbeaten 76 included three sixes and eight fours and earned him his third man-of-the-match award. The veteran cannily bided his time before blasting the ball all around the Tribhuvan University grounds on a chilly day.
'He batted beautifully. Everyone can learn a lot from him, not only as far as batting and bowling is concerned but also from the desire he has to win,' Hong Kong coach Charlie Burke said.
As in the previous game against Kuwait, Hong Kong got off to a bad start in their run chase, losing both openers Irfan Ahmed and Babar Hayat cheaply.