WINNING breeds confidence. Let's hope that confidence prolongs the winning streak for Hong Kong as they face Kenya, in the first of their three quarter-final group games, at the Nairobi Gymkhana Club today. The men have now been separated from the boys in the 20-team competition. And for the first time in the ICC Trophy history, Hong Kong find themselves playing in such exalted company and circumstances.
Presently, the territory are on a high, in many ways more than one. They have scored the most number of runs by any team, 828, at the end of the preliminary round. They also lead the run rate stakes with 4.96. They are indeed bubbling with confidence.
It has, for the moment, put them on top of the world's second-ranked cricketing nations. And Hong Kong are savouring every precious minute of it.
''The boys are enjoying themselves tremendously,'' said skipper Pat Fordham. This attitude has so far produced results on the field. Looking relaxed, Hong Kong have played a high standard of cricket, that has brought respect into the eyes of their opponents.
''No way are we going to treat Hong Kong as if that will be an easy match,'' says Kenyan manager Zahur Sheikh. ''How can you take them lightly after what they have done so far?'' The Kenyans, and perhaps everyone else, are wary of Hong Kong's determination to do well, a determination exemplified by Hong Kong all-rounder Stewart Brew.
Brew had one wish before he came to Kenya. ''I want to see how good I am, playing against opposition of a class which you will never come across in Hong Kong.'' Well, Brew has got his wish granted. Hong Kong's quarter-final opponents. Holland, Kenya and Bangladesh were seeded one, two and three respectively before the tournament began.