Hong Kong fall to Zimbabwe in opening ICC Twenty20 World clash

Hong Kong fell short by 14 runs in their bid to beat test nation Zimbabwe in their opening ICC World Twenty20 cricket match in Nagpur yesterday, despite some brave batting from opener Jamie Atkinson and captain Tanwir Afzal.

After putting Zimbabwe in, Hong Kong bowled tightly before a late flurry by Elton Chigumbura gave their opponents a strong total of 158 for eight off their 20 overs.

It was a challenging target but within Hong Kong’s capabilities. However, a slow start gave them too much to do in the later overs.

Atkinson, who appeared to be hobbling with an ankle injury, scored 53 off 44 balls – his first international half-century – with two sixes and four fours while Afzal was 31 not out from 17, with a six and three fours.

“We did well in the middle overs, and I thought we could chase this,” said Afzal. “Credit to Zimbabwe. We were in position to keep them under 150, it is a positive sign for us.”

Only the top team from each of the two first-round groups advance to the second round against the big teams. Hong Kong also take on Scotland and Afghanistan in group B.

Hong Kong got the first breakthrough in the third over when in-form Hamilton Masakadza made a schoolboy error. The captain was too casual running to the crease and was run out by a direct throw from Babar Hayat, with the batsman hover-boarding barely an inch from the ground.

Richmond Mutumbami was then caught at long on by Nadeem Ahmed off Tanwir, with Zimbabwe at 38 for two in 4.2 overs – two wickets down but at a decent run rate.