HK blown away by PNG in 3rd/4th Play-off in Dubai

A desert storm enshrouded the city yesterday as it ripped across the emirate. And on the field Papua New Guinea tore through with equal venom as they hammered Hong Kong into submission to win the third place play-off at the ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament.

In the end, it seemed Hong Kong was just keen to get it done with having accomplished the target of becoming an ICC high performance country. Chasing a target of 226, Hong Kong was bowled out for 98 in just 26 overs. The players were in a hurry to leave for home.

It has been a tough trip. Along with two practice games, Najeeb Amar and his men have played eight games in two weeks which is a lot for a bunch of weekend cricketers.

And it showed yesterday after Najeeb, for the umpteenth time, lost the toss and Hong Kong were asked to field first. PNG, who had done Hong Kong a massive favour by defeating Uganda the previous day and ensuring the Africans didn't clinch the fourth spot in the standings, were steady with th bat.

Half centuries from Asad Vala and Vani Morea allowed them to reach 225 for six. Hong Kong's bowling looked toothless with only Nizakat Khan having some bite with figures of two for 37. Munir Dar bowled tightly and gave away just 24 runs from his ten overs including a wicket, while the other wickets fell to Max Tucker, Irfan Ahmed and Najeeb.

Hong Kong began as if they had a plane to catch - and they had later in the night - with Waqas Barkat promoted to opener in place of Roy Lamsam, breezing to 25. Hussain Butt, likewise hit a quick 21, but none of the batsmen showed any intent on occupying the crease as wickets fell at regular intervals.