Mark Chapman’s century in ODI debut secures Hong Kong’s victory over United Arab Emirates by 89 runs
The 24-year-old hit 124 not out with two sixes and 11 fours from 116 balls contributing to the 298 run total for four wickets against the hosts
Mark Chapman scored an unbeaten century on his one-day international debut as Hong Kong beat United Arab Emirates by 89 runs in their ICC World Cricket League in Dubai on Monday.
The 21-year-old Chapman hit 124 not out, with two sixes and 11 fours from 116 balls, in Hong Kong’s total of 298 for four wickets from their 50 overs.
Making his ODI debut alongside Chris Carter, the 21-year-old vice-captain made the second-highest ODI score made by a batsman on debut, behind West Indian Desmond Haynes' 148, and he is the 10th player in ODI history to score a century on debut.
Watch Mark Chapman's interview after the match
Hong Kong, who won the toss and chose to bat, then dismissed the home side for 209, with Haseeb Amjad and Anshuman Rath taking three wickets each. Nadeem Ahmed grabbed two wickets, while captain Tanwir Afzal and Aizaz Khan took one apiece.
READ MORE: Hong Kong bowlers clean up UAE top order as they secure landmark win in Abu Dhabi
Rath also scored 36 while opening the batting and put on 77 with Kinchit Shah (34) for the first wicket, while Babar Hayat scored a solid 45. Nizakat Khan contribued 28.
Hong Kong face the same opponents in Dubai on Wednesday and another victory would put them top of the World League table.
The one-day competition is a two-year tournament for eight of the leading Associate teams and is a pathway to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.
Hong Kong were fourth after finishing 1-1 with Namibia in their maiden WCLC clashes in May.
I didn’t actually know the statistics. I’d heard rumours that it might have been up there, but to be second in the list is an honour, and it’s something that no one can erase, so it’s something I am very proud of
Man of the Match Chapman was absolutely delighted with his performance. “It’s a pretty good feeling and even more so getting the first ODI win for Hong Kong. That’s quite a big step, we’ve played quite a few games, so to get a win and climb up the ladder in the WCLC is quite a big thing.”
Chapman had not known how record-breaking his innings was until after the match: “I didn’t actually know the statistics. I’d heard rumours that it might have been up there, but to be second in the list is an honour, and it’s something that no one can erase, so it’s something I am very proud of.”
Chapman was quick to highlight other strong performers of the day. “It was a great effort with the ball today, Anshuman Rath bowled a great spell. We were a little bit sketchy at the start, they got quite a good start and with Shaiman Anwar scoring 70-odd, but we pulled it back nicely, and we bowled them out for just over 200, so we are very happy with that.”
Coach Simon Cook was equally thrilled with Chapman’s record. “Its an incredible performance really, he’s just come in and that’s his first innings on this tour, and to score a hundred is amazing. Obviously there are records that go with that, having made his ODI debut and made a hundred which puts him tenth on the list.
“Credit to him for getting off the plane, landing yesterday, and pealing off 100 straight away. It shows his mental strength and ability to build an innings and have a game plan, and then stick to it.”
The coach was delighted with his side’s run of victories, but felt they could not get too complacent. “This trip has all been about firsts, obviously we are continuing in that vein today. (But) I think that victory margin flatters us a little bit. I think there are areas that we need to improve, with the ball and in the field.
