‘Fearless' Hong Kong set for key 48 hours in ODI status and 2027 World Cup quest
The city team will be expected to brush aside Tanzania on Wednesday, before a rapid turnaround for Thursday's crunch meeting with second-placed Uganda.
Head coach Simon Willis, whose side sit third in the six-team table, scoffed at the idea of resting key players against basement-dwelling Tanzania.
'We'll always play our strongest team – we're here to win and to dominate,' Willis said. 'Net run rate could be a factor [in determining top-two finishers], so we have to maintain our focus and concentration, and do a professional job, then think about Uganda when that comes.'
Hong Kong have won four straight matches, a sequence that began with tri-series victories over Bahrain and Uganda, after Nasrulla Rana came in from the cold to plunder 15 wickets in the four games, at an astonishing average of 9.27.
In 38.2 overs, the rejuvenated fast bowler has conceded 139 runs for a stingy economy rate of 3.64, compared with a career List A figure of 6.88.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
27-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong turn to ex-Sri Lanka Test player Kaushal Silva after trio of Malaysia thrashings
Former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper batsman Kaushal Silva has been appointed as the new head coach of Hong Kong's cricket team, the sport's governing body in the city said on Monday. The 39-year-old, who played 39 Tests and scored three hundreds between 2011 and 2018, is expected to start his new job sometime next month, once his visa has come through. After a short coaching stint in England, Silva has been working in Australia since 2019, most recently at the Superkings Cricket Academy, but will now make the step up to associate cricket as Simon Willis' replacement. Silva said he was excited at the prospect of coaching the team and 'looked forward to working with the talented group of players'. His first significant challenge, other than improving an underperforming side, will be the Asia Cup, which will return to its T20 format and be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9th to September 28th. Kaushal Silva has been coaching at the Superkings Cricket Academy in Box Hill, Victoria, Australia. Photo: Handout While India and Pakistan have been thrown together alongside the hosts and Oman in Group A, Hong Kong face Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Group B. The top two sides in each group will progress to the semi-finals.
South China Morning Post
16-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Simon Willis quits as Hong Kong cricket head coach days after side's T20 failure
Simon Willis has resigned as head coach of the men's Hong Kong cricket team, days after his side failed to make the final of their home T20 quadrangular series. Advertisement It was the latest in a string of disappointing performances from a side that has lost ground on its Asian rivals over the past year, struggling to beat the likes of Qatar and Kuwait on several occasions. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Englishman said he was leaving to pursue new challenges, but the 51-year-old's future had been in doubt for some time, and sources said the search for a replacement was likely to start as soon as possible. Still, just four days ago, Willis was discussing how Hong Kong could move forward, even while raising concerns over his team's commitment and focus. Wishing Willis 'all the best in his future endeavours', the cricketing body said the coach had achieved significant milestones since he was appointed in March 2023, which had culminated in qualification for the T20 Asia Cup in India later this year. Simon Willis had been in charge for two years. Photo: Facebook/Simon Willis 'Under Simon's leadership, a larger pool of players has been identified and developed through a clear and aligned men's talent pathway to the international game, marking a substantial advancement for the team,' the CHKC statement said.
South China Morning Post
12-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong cricket set to plot ‘how we move forwards' after more T20 disappointment
Head coach Simon Willis said Hong Kong cricket would have a period of reflection, then 'decide how we want to move forwards', after another disappointing tournament. Advertisement Rain ruined Hong Kong's chances of reaching the final of their home quadrangular T20 tournament, after the heavens opened when the hosts, batting first, were 68 for three against Nepal on Saturday. Willis refused to blame the wet skies over Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground for his side's exit, after they lost to Kuwait in their opening match on Wednesday. 'In tournaments, you can't leave it to lady luck, you have to determine your own fate by winning games early,' Willis said, adding it was the third time since his appointment in March 2023 that 'we've gone out of competitions because of rain'. Hong Kong have been relegated to the undercard of Sunday's action, with their morning third-place playoff against Qatar the appetiser for Nepal against Kuwait in the final. Advertisement The Qataris lost all three of their group matches, including a 68-run thumping by Hong Kong on Thursday. 'We did OK against Qatar, but we're not where I expect, given the talent in the group,' Willis said. 'They don't realise how good they are, but they have to take responsibility, and show commitment and focus, to achieve the things they want.'
