Chapman leads Hong Kong to maiden victory in Sri Lanka

Mark Chapman enjoyed his best day in his fledgling career as Hong Kong hammered an under-23 outfit from one of the leading club sides in Sri Lanka, the Nondescripts Cricket Club, by 116 runs in the second game on their brief visit.

Chapman, one of a band of youngsters in the squad, came up with a superb all-round performance which included a run-a-ball 66, three wickets as well as three catches, including a brilliant one-handed effort at point.

Yet, the most encouraging signs for Hong Kong who are building up for the ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament later this month at home was the hint that the batsmen are beginning to take pleasure out in the middle as was evidenced in the healthy total of 282 for nine.

"The guys are now beginning to understand the importance of partnerships. We talked before the game about this aspect and having at least a 100-run partnership and they produced it," said a delighted Hong Kong coach Charlie Burke.

Chapman and Irfan Ahmed (73) were involved in a 102-run liaison for the fourth wicket which laid the foundation for the big score. Both players flayed the attack at will on a batting wicket with the ball coming on nicely. Chapman's knock included six boundaries and a six while Irfan his seven fours in his innings which lasted 66 deliveries.

Another youngster to impress was Nizakat Khan who made 68 from 61 balls including five fours and three sixes. Hussain Butt, who scored a fine 83 in the opening game against the Sri Lanka under-19s, was once again in good touch before being dismissed for 30.

The NCC youngsters were dismissed for 166 in the 39th over with Chapman leading the way taking three for 22 with his left-arm Chinamen.

"It was a good batting performance. We had been planning to get a win and they went out and did it in style. All the little things came together today and we are slowly getting there. What we need now is to be more consistent in our performances," Burke said.

Hong Kong will end their short tour with a 40-over game against Badureliya CC, another team in the Premier Division in Colombo.

The week-long visit will do the 14-strong squad a world of good as they prepare to take on USA, Papua New Guinea, Oman, Denmark and Italy in the WCL Division Three tournament, a qualifying prelude to the 2015 World Cup.