Anshuman Rath hits maiden ton, Hong Kong rack up highest ODI score in victory over Papua New Guinea
The opener scores 143 not out as his side notch their second straight win over their opponents to finish third in the ICC World Cricket League Championship
Anshuman Rath hit his maiden one-day century as Hong Kong scored their highest-ever total on the way to a convincing victory over Papua New Guinea on Friday in Dubai – but their hopes of finishing second in the ICC World Cricket League Championship disappeared.
Rath scored 143 off 137 balls, upping the pace after the arrival of captain Babar Hayat, who hit his second straight half-century in a 80-ball 89.
Hong Kong totalled 323 for four in their 50 overs and bowled out PNG for 230 for a 93-run victory.
The win ensured Hong Kong of third place in the eight-team table behind winners Netherlands and Scotland.
Hong Kong were hoping the Scots would lose to Kenya in their final match, which would have given them second place and enhanced their hopes of renewing cricket’s deal with the Hong Kong Sports Institute.
But Scotland won handily, though there was still much to celebrate for the Hong Kong players with their top-four place guaranteeing them a berth in March’s 2019 World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.