HK's tour of Pakistan highlights need for batsmen

Hong Kong coach Aftab Habib admitted the value of experience yesterday after his young side tumbled to another crushing defeat - the fourth in a row - on their training tour of Pakistan.

A strong Faisalabad Region XI romped to a seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong. The tourists have lost their other matches by eight wickets, 125 runs and 175 runs.

Habib has conceded Hong Kong will need to draft in a few more experienced players for next month's Asia Cup in Pakistan and for the ACC Trophy in Kuala Lumpur this summer.

'I was not too worried about results on this training trip as I knew we would be up against superior opposition. This trip was to see where we are and I have realised that we are lacking experience,' said Habib.

'Most of the young guys here will be better players one or two years down the line. Hopefully the next time we come here [for the Asia Cup], more senior players will be available,' Habib said.

The majority of the 15-strong squad on the 10-day tour are youngsters, in keeping with Habib's approach to blood younger players into the national side. But they have come up short against some top-class opposition.

Against Faisalabad, Hong Kong were bowled out for 105 in 43 overs with only veteran Jawaid Iqbal managing to get among the runs with a gritty 25. The home team knocked off the runs for the loss of three wickets.