Hong Kong bounce back against Kenya for 39-run victory in second cricket one-dayer
Captain Babar Hayat hits 78 and Chris Carter 41 as the visitors level the two-match ICC World Cricket League Championship series at 1-1
Hong Kong revived their ICC World Cricket League Championship hopes in Nairobi on Sunday after beating hosts Kenya by 39 runs on Duckworth-Lewis to level the series at 1-1.
The victory and two precious points, following a three-wicket defeat by Kenya on Friday, gives Hong Kong a total of 11 points from eight games – the same as Scotland. Papua New Guinea and Netherlands top the eight-team table with 12 points from eight matches.
After being let down by their batting in the first one-dayer, Hong Kong were determined to keep their wickets intact and they largely succeeded in the second and final game.
Opener Chris Carter hit a measured 41 from 63 balls while skipper Babar Hayat stepped up yet again with 78 from 68 deliveries, blasting four sixes and six fours. Nizakat Khan hit 20 as Hong Kong racked up 148 for four in 24.1 overs before rain forced the players off.
When they returned, it was Kenya’s turn to bat and they were given a revised target of 173 from 25 overs at a run-rate of 6.92.
Openers Irfan Karim (33 off 40 balls) and Alex Obanda (39 of 38) gave the hosts a flying start at the Gymkhana Club Ground as they reached 79 before Obanda fell to Nadeem Ahmed, who had him stumped by wicketkeeper Carter.
From there, Kenya struggled to put partnerships together and though they tried to keep up with the run-rate, wickets fell steadily and Hong Kong ended up winning with plenty to spare.
Ahmed grabbed three wickets for 23 from five overs with Ehsan Khan and Tanveer Ahmed also taking three each. Anshuman Rath claim one scalp.
Hong Kong are hoping to finish in the top two of the competition to boost their hopes of reaching the 2018 ICC World Cup qualifiers in Bangladesh.
