Hong Kong fall to Scotland by 24 runs in Desert T20 opener
The Scots score 189 for three before restricting their opponents to 165 for six in 20 overs
Hong Kong were beaten by 24 runs against Scotland in their opening group B match of the Desert T20 tournament for associate members in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
Scotland, batting first, scored a challenging 189 for three wickets in their 20 overs, with Calum MacLeod and Richie Berrington both scoring quickire 60 runs. MacLeod needed 34 balls, including three sixes, while Berrington took 39 deliveres and two sixes.
Hong Kong produced a brave chase but were unable to go near Scotland’s total, scoring 165 for six in their 20 overs. Shahid Wasif scored 40 and Ehsan Khan, who also took two wickets, made 42. Nizakat Khan earlier scored 22 while Anshuman Rath hit 29.
“We were probably disappointed chasing 190 which wasn’t really a par score, it was more a 175 wicket and a very windy day with a big outfield,” said Hong Kong coach Simon Cook.
“A few lapses with our fielding meant we were chasing too many, although I was pleased with our execution in their power play.
“Again with the bat we had two run-outs through basic errors and its those sort of things that cost you games.”
“Anshuman continued his good form, Shahid was again impressive and is really consolidating his place in the team and Ehsan Khan at the end hit the ball nicely so there were some positives.”
“We did well in the end to get as close as we did.”
Hong Kong next play Oman on Monday before completing their pool fixtures against Netherlands on Wednesday. The top two teams from each of the four-team pools advance to the semi-finals.
