T20 World Cup: Babar Hayat back in Hong Kong reckoning after smashing 178 and helping Lions beat Islanders in 50-over series decider
- The former Hong Kong skipper lost his contract in 2019 but wants to put the past behind him and stake a claim for a place in the ICC T20 World Cup qualifying squad
- Nizakat Khan, Jamie Atkinson and Aizaz Khan, among others, performed with the bat as Lions beat Islanders by 119 runs in the decider after they had split the first two games
Former captain Babar Hayat said he was ready to return to international cricket after his blistering 178 not out helped Kowloon Lions to a 119-run win over Hong Kong Islanders in the final match of the EPIC Group All Stars Series 50-over competition on Saturday.
Babar lost his Cricket Hong Kong contract in the summer of 2019 because he played in overseas franchise tournaments, but said he was ready to put the past behind him and try to win selection for July’s ICC T20 World Cup qualifier in Malaysia.
Hong Kong coach Trent Johnston said he would welcome back the 29-year-old with open arms if he can continue his form as Babar, Jamie Atkinson, Nizakat Khan and Aizaz Khan showed during the three-match series at Tin Kwong Road that Hong Kong are blessed with batting talent.
“Obviously, it’s a boost for me after one and a half years if I can get back into the Hong Kong side. I’d be more than happy to come back,” said Babar, who stopped working in his family business weeks before the All Stars Series to focus on his form and fitness. “What happened before is in the past and I’m only looking forward and hopefully play my best cricket.
“The All Stars tournament did not start well for me but the way I finished was brilliant,” said Babar, who walloped 17 sixes and five fours in his 109-ball innings. “I knew I was in good form but the big knock just wasn’t coming so I’m really happy it came in the big final.”
The Lions and Islanders had split the first two matches, which featured sizzling batting from some of Hong Kong’s big names. Atkinson hit a 117-ball 152 in game one as Islanders, who scored 399, beat the Lions by 11 runs, with Nizakat smashing 158 in 131 balls. Nizakat (72) and Aizaz (95) led the Lions to a 78-run win in game two to ensure the third game would be the decider.