Afzaal Haider and Irfan Ahmed put Hong Kong on top against Malaysia

Career best performances from Afzaal Haider and Irfan Ahmed put Hong Kong well on top in their ACC Premier League 2006 match against Malaysia being played at the Selangor Turf Club in Kuala Lumpur.

Day One Summary

Hong kong skipper Tim Smart won the toss and inserted Malaysia on a placid looking pitch. A cautious start saw the Malaysian openers put together a first wicket partnership of 38 before Afzaal Haider claimed his first wicket of the day. A middle order collapse saw the Malaysians slump to 112-7 with Haider doing the bulk of the damage. Wickets continued to tumble and only a tenth wicket partnership of 53 runs between skipper Rohan Vishnu Suppiah (22) and Mohd Annuar Arudin (26) enabled Malaysia to reach 175 in 58 overs.

Afzaal Haider bowled with control and aggression throughout the innings to claim his best bowling figures for Hong Kong of 19-3-50-8. He received excellent support from his teammates, who held all the chances that came their way.

Hong Kong were also in early trouble but moved to 105-5 at stumps at the close of play on the first day, with Irfan Ahmed unbeaten on 46. Play was called off 14 overs before the scheduled close due to poor light conditions. Malaysian opening bowler Thushara Kodikara claimed three wickets for 28 runs.

Day Two Summary

Hong Kong batted strongly on the second morning of the match against Malaysia. Overnight batsman Irfan Ahmed continued on from where he left off to hit a magnificent 141 as Hong Kong declared their innings closed at 307-8. Irfan's inninings included 16 fours and a six and lasted 282 minutes. Irfan shared a 166-run partnership with James Atkinson, who hit 51 from 161 balls, and a further 67-run partnership with Amjid Mahmood who scored a quick-fire unbeaten 55 from 57 balls. Thushara Kodikara finished with the best bowling figures of 4-50.

Facing a deficit of 133 on the first innings, Malaysia reached 119-3, still 14 runs in arrears, when play was called off 14 overs before the scheduled finish due to bad light. For Malaysia, Rakesh Madhavan scored 30 while S Muthuraman finished unbeaten on 31 at stumps.

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