As it happened: Hong Kong T20 Blitz – Day Five
Kowloon Cantons beat City Kaitak by 25 runs in the final
Watch: Kowloon Cantons v City Kaitak
Commentary
5:05pm: Convincing victory for Kowloon Cantons. Their 222 for three was too much for City Kaitak, who managed to give Cantons a victory by 25 runs after being bowled out for 197 in 19.4 overs. That’s their second title in a row after sharing last year’s crown with defunct Woodworm Warriors. Great moment for Babar Hayat, the Cantons and Hong Kong captain, who has not looked out of place among some great international talent and scored 76 in the final. Fittingly, Hayat bowled the final over, knowing Kaitak can’t win from there and takes the last wicket. City Kaitak’s chase started well but they had to take risks and wickets fell regularly.
Crowd rushes on to the field and the players make haste towards the dressing rooms.
Overall, it’s been a fantastic tournament. After rain washed out most of last year’s inaugural edition, we only lost 18 overs this time and that was in the first match. It hasn’t been sunny but the atmosphere has been great and the weekend was packed. Hong Kong needs a proper cricket stadium if this tournament is to grow. Three million viewers from abroad proves that this kind of event can really showcase Hong Kong to the globe. Cricket Hong Kong’s Tim Cutler and Max Abbott are justifiably proud of their efforts. Only a small team put together this tournament but they have made a huge impact. Teams were professional and the fact that at least one of the finalists were not decided until the last day meant interest was sustained over five days.
Quotes:
Babar Hayat (Kowloon Cantons captain and man of the match): “It’s just amazing to be here as a winner and being man of the match. It’s been great playing with such good players from overseas and locally and I have learned a lot from them. To win this is a dream come tru.”
Kyle Coetzer (City Kaitak): “We knew we had to hit but we were unable to get their in the end, they played really well and deserved to win. It’s been a great tournament and really been great to have associate member players here as well. It’s only going to grow and grow.”