Hong Kong faced a significant setback in their ODI hopes due to the abandonment of their match against Tanzania, resulting in only one point earned. The match between Uganda and Italy was also cancelled under similar conditions. Currently, Hong Kong is third in the table, closely following Italy and two points behind Uganda, making future matches pivotal for their World Cup qualifying aspirations.
Hong Kong’s aspirations of regaining their One Day International (ODI) status have faced a significant setback following the abandonment of their match against Tanzania in the Cricket World Cup Challenge League B, where no play occurred due to inclement weather. Additionally, the encounter between Italy and Uganda was similarly affected, resulting in no results being posted for both matches.
Having previously secured victories against Singapore and Bahrain, Hong Kong appeared poised to defeat Tanzania, who are at the bottom of the table. However, the rain-affected match means Hong Kong only gained one point from the cancellation, thwarting their opportunity to close the gap on Uganda and Italy, who also earned one point each due to the conditions at the Kowloon Cricket Club.
Currently, Hong Kong occupies the third position in a six-team table, sharing points with Italy but trailing Uganda by two points. The competition’s outcome in the upcoming third leg next year will determine which teams proceed to the next stage of the 2027 World Cup qualifying series to regain their ODI status, a status Hong Kong relinquished in 2018.
In conclusion, Hong Kong’s ODI ambitions have taken a serious blow with the abandonment of their match against Tanzania and the coinciding washout of the match between Uganda and Italy. They remain third in a tightly contested table, needing to improve their net run rate and secure victories in forthcoming matches to enhance their chances of qualifying for the next stage of World Cup qualifying. As it stands, the next leg of the tournament will be crucial for Hong Kong as they seek to reclaim ODI status.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
