Hong Kong began their Premier Cup campaign with victory over Qatar, but defeats by lowly Saudi Arabia and Nepal, the tournament favourites, left Willis’s side needing to beat Malaysia by a handsome margin – and rely on Nepal to beat the Saudis – to progress.

Babar struck nine sixes and two fours in a 35-ball 83, as Hong Kong reached their 141 target in 12.1 overs to leapfrog Qatar on net run rate, before the Nepalese did their bit.

“The 11 players on the field, and three off it, were fully focused,” Willis said. “In the past, we have not always had that self-motivation, focus and commitment, and we have been punished as a result. It shows what this team is capable of when it has its back to the wall.”

Asked if every individual has maintained the requisite level of engagement in the ongoing tournament, Willis said: “The results show not.

“It can take a long time, and a number of factors, to change a deep-rooted culture. You need the right people in the room, and we have made a few changes [towards attaining that goal].

“Individuals need to understand why they’re playing the game of cricket, and to have a purpose, individually and collectively.

“There has to be the motivation to improve every day; to not think what worked a few years ago is going to work today. We have to be honest with ourselves … and move along with the modern game.”

Captain Nizakat Khan is averaging 63.67 with the bat in Oman. He finished unbeaten on 47 against Malaysia following a decisive stand of 109 with Babar, whom Willis called a “super-talented individual, who can win matches on his own”.

Nizakat has moved from his familiar opening spot to No 3, but came in at two-down against the Malaysians, after Babar was promoted to maximise his time at the crease.

“The senior players have been outstanding, they have led from the front … but maybe we haven’t had all 11 in the same place,” Willis said.

“It is probably the most diverse changing room I have worked in, with regard to different cultures and individuals. That makes the job more challenging, but it was one of the attractions for taking it on.

“You have to keep finding the tools to unlock the door. It worked quickly for some players after I arrived, for others it is a work in progress. Hopefully, in time, whether that is six months or two years, we will reach the destination we are aiming for, which is a winning culture.”

Willis said the matter of whether he would have been grilled by his bosses in the event of an early exit was “a question for the board”.

In the post since March 2023, he has overseen a slight uptick in results, while trying to implement changes to preserve the long-term health of Hong Kong cricket.

“As a head coach, you understand the number one priority is to win matches,” Willis said.

“But you have to be realistic about the resources you have, and what is achievable with them. I have constant dialogue with the director of cricket, the national selectors, and the board about that.”

Oman, who will play in this year’s T20 World Cup, won all four of their Premier Cup group matches.

“We will be underdogs,” Willis said. “They are playing at home and have everything in their favour.

“But we took a lot of confidence from the last game. If we have 11 players fully focused, committed and on their games, we can beat any team here.”