HK hopes revived after seven-wicket thrashing of Denmark

The sun was out, there were six fielders around the bat and Irfan Ahmed was steaming in on a hat-trick ball. Things were finally beginning to look up for hosts Hong Kong.

Despite the three slips and a gully, a forward short-leg and a silly mid-off, Irfan could not quite grab the coveted hat-trick, failing for the second time in three days. But in this instance, Hong Kong ended on a happier note as they thrashed Denmark by seven wickets to win their first game in the ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament.

'I have come close twice, maybe I can do it tomorrow,' smiled Irfan who was later adjudged man of the match for his spell of four for 23 that wrecked the Danes. The fast bowler received superb support from elder brother Nadeem Ahmed and skipper Najeeb Amar, who took two and three wickets, respectively, as Denmark were dismissed for 102.

It was a cakewalk from then on, with the sole focus on how soon Hong Kong could complete the victory to boost their net run rate, which is likely to play a huge part in deciding who will finish second to Papua New Guinea in the six-team competition. PNG are the only unbeaten side so far with a 3-0 record.

The smiles in the Hong Kong camp lit up Mission Road. Relief was etched all over the faces of Najeeb and his men. Following losses to the United States and Oman, yesterday's game was a must-win. In fact, the remaining two games, against Italy today and PNG on Friday, are also in the win-or-bust category.

'A much-needed win,' coach Charlie Burke said. 'With a few other results going our way, we are still in [with a chance of making it to the final]. We played really well today.' Denmark were sitting pretty on 70 for two before the rot set in. Left-arm spinner Najeeb started the slide when Michael Pederson, playing for the spin, got a straighter delivery that took the leading edge and gave Najeeb a simple return catch.

'Hong Kong bowled OK, but I think most of our dismissals were our own fault with poor shot selection,' said Pedersen, who top-scored with 34. When the other set batsman, Rizwan Mahmood, was dismissed in Najeeb's following over with wicket-keeper Waqas Barkat taking a juggling catch, the end was near.

Najeeb's inspired move to bring back opening bowler Irfan for a second spell paid rich dividends as he clean-bowled Naveed Mughal and Jacob Larsen, exposing the tail. The last eight wickets fell for 31 runs.

Courtney Kruger made an unbeaten 40, with youngster Mark Chapman leading the run chase with a scintillating 29. Everything worked like clockwork for Hong Kong yesterday, as they stayed in the hunt for a place in the final and promotion to Division Two.