Hong Kong’s women beat China in East Asian Cup thriller, head home for sterner test against India and Bangladesh A sides
- Maryam Bibi and Betty Chan star as sides need super over to decide tense encounter
- Alison Sui named player of the match in final of test event for Asian Games in Hangzhou
Maryam Bibi hit a six when it mattered most and Betty Chan kept things tight at the death as Hong Kong beat China in a thrilling East Asian Cup final on Sunday.
Needing 73 to win, Hong Kong struggled to 65 for eight heading into the last of their 20 overs in Hangzhou, in a tournament that doubled up as a test event for the Asian Games in September.
Charlotte Chan was run out off the first ball of the six her side had to get the runs, and Alison Siu, who was unbeaten on 12, and Emma Lai, who scored four off three balls, could only manage seven more between them leaving the teams tied.
Earlier, Siu, who was named player of the match, took five wickets for just eight runs as China were bowled out for 72 in 17 overs.
After being run out for just two in her side’s innings, Bibi returned to hammer 13 off five balls in the deciding super over, and with skipper Kary Chan adding a couple of her own, China were left needing 16 to win.
But Betty Chan had other ideas and added two wickets to the three she took earlier in the day, as China were limited to just four runs.
The result largely reflected Hong Kong’s dominance of the three-team tournament, in which Japan also took part.
Victory sets Hong Kong up nicely for the much sterner test they face at home in two weeks time, when the city hosts the likes of Bangladesh and India A in the Women’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup.
The Asian Cricket Council event, which runs from June 12 to 21, will also include A teams from Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as well as China, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
“Asian Cricket Council’s vision for cricket in the region includes creating equal opportunities for women to showcase their talent and take the sport to new heights,” Jay Shah, the council’s president, said.
“The Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 in Hong Kong is a great platform for young women cricketers to compete and grow, and we are committed to developing women’s cricket in Asia to ensure a bright future for the sport.”
