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APC Group T20I series: Hong Kong beat Bahrain to answer new cricket coach’s call

  • First outing under Simon Willis in home quadrangular tournament reveals some of the ‘effort, commitment and character’ the coach had requested
  • His team respond to a testing start to the Bahrain innings, after Malaysia also start with a victory by defeating Kuwait

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Hong Kong’s captain Nizakat Khan on his way to 37 in the T20 clash with Bahrain. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Hong Kong’s players showed their new men’s cricket coach Simon Willis the qualities he had asked for as they made a winning start to the APC Group T20I series in Mong Kok on Wednesday.
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Reeling from an aggressive start by Bahrain in reply to their 153 for four at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, the hosts rallied to bowl their opponents out for 138.

Aizaz Khan, the player of the match, had a hand in energising Hong Kong and deflating Bahrain, striking five fours and a six in his 42 from 26 deliveries then taking two for 30 to help regain the initiative.

“It’s not necessarily about the win; it’s about what I’ve learned from it,” Willis said. “To have a game as tight as it was, and times when we were on the back foot and playing a little nervously, I think the players learned a lot about themselves.

Anshuman Rath survives a run-out attempt during Hong Kong’s innings. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Anshuman Rath survives a run-out attempt during Hong Kong’s innings. Photo: Jonathan Wong

“Hopefully the lads can play with a little more freedom and confidence on the back of this.

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