Hong Kong cricketers start year with Malaysia clash, team close to finding ‘missing pieces of puzzle’ coach says
- Hong Kong host Malaysia and Canada this week in one-day international series, with several new faces in the squad
- Head coach Simon Willis believes his side aren’t far away from being able to take next step up
Hong Kong’s men get their international cricket season under way on Wednesday, with head coach Simon Willis believing his side are not far away from finding “the missing pieces of the puzzle”.
Over the past 12 months, regional rivals Nepal and Oman have stood between Hong Kong and major tournaments, and will do so again during a busy 2024 that includes Asian Cup and T20 World Cup qualifiers, and the start of the One Day World Cup Challenge League.
Willis’ side came off worst in most of those encounters in 2023, making their ODI tri-series at home against Malaysia and Canada this week ideal preparation for what lies ahead.
The selectors have named a squad that includes faces old and new, and it could well be the likes of Ehsan Nawaz, who returns after a six-year absence, Raunaq Kapur, and debutant Daniyal Bukhari provide that extra spark.
“We’ve got a lot of things in place that are very good,” Willis said. “We just think [we need] those last pieces to help us get to the next level and improve our status in world cricket.
“I think that’s the encouraging factor, is even playing Nepal, who are a decent side, we know we’re not far away. With a little bit more skill, with a little bit more discipline, there’s no reason why we can’t beat the likes of Nepal and Oman going forward.”
Nawaz’s reintroduction to the international set-up after life “took him in a different direction” is expected to add a bit more bite to a front-line bowling attack that struggled to impose itself on occasion.
With opening bowlers Aizaz Khan and Ayush Shukla also in the 16-strong squad, Willis said there was plenty of excitement among the team.