Hong Kong lose to Netherlands in second one-day as another big chase falls just short
Home side scores more than 300 for the second match in a row but it wasn’t enough as the tourists win the series 2-0
For the second time in three days, Hong Kong scored more than 300 runs in a one-day innings. And for the second time in three days, it was not enough.
After a record 325 total on Thursday saw Hong Kong fall by five runs to Netherlands, a similar big chase on Saturday again failed to turn their efforts into victory as the visitors prevailed by 13 runs to win the two-match ICC World Cricket League series 2-0.
The Netherlands won the toss and chose to bat and went on to score a healthy 314 for nine wickets, with solid contributions from their recognised batsmen – Michael Rippon (53), Ben Cooper (78) and captain Peter Borren (49 not out).
Hong Kong’s chase had a familiar ring to it with Anshuman Rath, who scored a century in the first match, being joined by captain Babar Hayat for a strong second-wicket partnership. Rath scored 85 and Hayat 86 but apart from Nizakat Khan’s 41, Hong Kong were again unable to sustain a challenge down the order.
Netherlands lead the WCL table with 16 points from 10 games while Hong Kong remain third on 11 points, also having played 10. The top four teams will have a chance to advance to the 2019 World Cup qualifiers in Bangladesh.
“There are a lot positives for us, there is a lot of talent in the dressing room and we are not far away,” Hong Kong captain Babar Hayat said.
“We should have won one of these games at least and done better, so the players are just disappointed. It’s hard to take being so close in both games and not getting a win.”
Netherlands captain Peter Borren was understandably delighted with his side taking both games in the series
“A really good team performance from us. 315 (sic), we were pretty happy with that at half time on a wicket getting a little bit tired.”
“You have to give credit again to Anshuman and Babar who have batted for the last 9-10 days where we have chased a lot of balls, they deserve better than what they have got here but we are delighted to have the points from these games.
“We can be very proud with how we have done in the last week or so against a very good Hong Kong team, they have been fantastic hosts.”
The Hong Kong squad will now break off into their Hong Kong T20 Blitz squads with that tournament to be held on March 8-12.
