Brave Hong Kong fall to Bangladesh

Hong Kong lost to Bangladesh by 59 runs today in the semi final of the ACC Women's Cricket Tournament being played in Johor Baru, Malaysia.

Winning the toss for the 4th straight time Hong Kong captain Neisha Pratt had no hesitation in asking Bangladesh to bat at the IPTI ground.

Hong Kong's bowling attack has been consistently impressive throughout the tournament, and was again today with Godiva Li, Neisha Pratt, Chan Sau Ha, Betty Chan and Ishitaa Gidwani all containing the eager Bangladeshi batters. Godiva Li made the first breakthrough, but it was the introduction of Keenu Gill that made a huge impact when she took 2 wickets in her first over, after earlier passing a late fitness test.

But the Bangladeshis showed grit and determination with excellent running between the wickets in the latter stages and despite one of the best bowling displays by Hong Kong in the tournament, the subcontinent side managed to post a respectable total of 100 with Panna Ghosh top scoring on 39 not out.

Hong Kong's batting order was rejigged with Emma Philips and Sarah Eames opening up, and Neisha dropping down the order. Eames was soon out however lbw. Emma was aggressive but unfortunately run out with the score only just into double figures. Wickets followed at regular intervals including captain Neisha, who was stumped.

Sam Mcilwraith and Betty Chan put on a useful partnership, mixing stout defence with occasional aggression.

However, Hong Kong were disappointingly bowled out for 41 in the 24th over.

Bangladesh will meet Nepal in the final on the 18th at JCA after they defeated China in the other semi final.

Hong Kong captain Neisha Pratt said, "There are many positives we can draw from this tournament. Our young players really got stuck in and showed a lot of character especially in the bowling department. Clearly our batting has been disappointing and we'll be working hard on this area. We've now seen the level of competition in Asian women's cricket and, with a lot of hard work from the squad and continuing provision of resources Hong Kong can be confident of competing successfully at this and higher levels moving forward. I'd like to thank our coach Lal Jayasinghe for his excellent work with the squad."

Mark Burns
Hong Kong Team Manager
17th July 2007