Confidence boost for Hong Kong ahead of World Cup 50-over qualifiers
Mark Chapman's stirring knock of 69 in warm-up match against Kenya raises stakes for team
A two-run win over top associate country Kenya gave Hong Kong a boost before Monday's opening game against Scotland in the ICC World Cup (50 overs) qualifiers in New Zealand.
A stirring knock of 69 from New Zealand-based left-hander Mark Chapman in the warm-up match lifted Hong Kong to 242. Six-time World Cup representatives Kenya fell short of the target thanks to a late three-wicket burst from Irfan Ahmed.
"I really do rate our chances in New Zealand. After the success in Abu Dhabi [at the ICC World Twenty20] where the boys experienced the feeling of qualifying for a World Cup, we have seen we are up there in associate cricket," said skipper Jamie Atkinson.
"The lads are hungry for more. There are only two spots up for grabs, so the biggest challenge will be pushing that bit further for the extra two spots. Confidence is high among the team though after the success in Abu Dhabi."
Hong Kong are in pool A in the 10-team tournament alongside Scotland, United Arab Emirates, Canada and Nepal. Pool B comprises the Netherlands, Kenya, Namibia, Papua New Guinea and Uganda.
The lads are hungry for more. There are only two spots up for grabs, so the biggest challenge will be pushing that bit further
The top two teams in this tournament will join Afghanistan and Ireland as the associate countries at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.