09-02-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Coetzee roars back into form as Hong Kong blitz Bahrain in Challenge League B
Martin Coetzee scorched back into form with an unbeaten century, and prolific opening partner Anshuman Rath scored 79, as Hong Kong comfortably chased down 183 for a nine-wicket Cricket World Cup Challenge League B victory over Bahrain on Sunday.
Hong Kong suffocated the visitors in the first half of their innings, and when Aizaz Khan gleefully claimed the prized wicket of Asif Ali, caught behind for 40, Bahrain were in no man's land on 89 for four from 32.3 overs. Sohail Ahmed bashed six maximums in an undefeated 70 to lift his team to the respectability of 182 all out from 49.4 overs.
The tiny Kowloon Cricket Club boundaries weigh conditions in the batsmen's favour, but off-spinner Ehsan Khan bowled with control and guile to claim three for 17 from 10 overs. Nasrulla Rana bagged three wickets, while Aizaz Khan, who ended a last-wicket stand of 31 when he trapped No 11 Imran Khan in front, finished with two.
Simon Willis, the Hong Kong head coach, said: 'We are going in the right direction. We probably dropped more catches than for a long time, but our bowling in the opening 30 overs was outstanding. We hit our lengths, kept it simple and set the tone for the day.
'Wickets came because Bahrain had to play shots. Apart from a few overs at the end, it was an excellent bowling performance.' Hong Kong wicket keeper Zeeshan Ali (left) looks on as Bahrain's unbeaten Sohail Ahmed bats. Photo: Dickson Lee
The accurate new-ball duo of Khan and Rizwan Butt posed problems for Coetzee and Rath early in Hong Kong's reply.
