Skipper Jamie Atkinson fires Hong Kong to victory over Namibia
A day after their first defeat to hosts UAE, the team bounce back
Jamie Atkinson's return to form had a happier ending yesterday with Hong Kong beating Namibia by eight wickets at the World Twenty20 qualifiers in Abu Dhabi to stay second in group A behind unbeaten Ireland.
A day after suffering their first defeat in the tournament to hosts United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong bounced back and it was captain Atkinson who once again figured prominently with the bat, scoring a 50 (he made 42 against UAE).
This paved the way for his side to overhaul the modest score of 111 set by a group of professionals who ply their trade in the Currie Cup in South Africa.
"It was really pleasing to see the guys come back from that loss against UAE, and especially against a team like Namibia who are ranked above us and have played in World Cups," said Hong Kong coach Charlie Burke.
I needed one good score to get my confidence back. But today's win was down to the bowlers, who dragged the Namibian batting back
Atkinson's good form with the bat will give heart to Hong Kong, who are looking at a top-two finish in the preliminary round so as to get two bites at the cherry of making it into the top six.