HK still in the hunt for top four finish in Dubai

Teenager Mark Chapman's crucial run-out in the game against the United Arab Emirates might come back and haunt Hong Kong, but believe it or not they can still finish as an ICC high performance country and get funding close to US$300,000 for next year with just one win at the ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament.

That is provided the other two results in the final round of matches going their way today - the United Arab Emirates to maintain their unbeaten record and defeat Bermuda, and for Papua New Guinea to beat Uganda.

If this happens, even a defeat against Namibia, probably the strongest team in the six-team competition might not spell the end for Hong Kong and relegation to division three next year.

"In the worst case scenario of losing, we have to hope that UAE and PNG do us a favour by winning, and that we don't get completely blown away by Namibia. But, of course, we are going into the game with a positive frame of mind and looking for a win," said Hong Kong head coach Charli Burke.

Hong Kong has been left ruing Chapman's dismissal for 81 as Hong Kong chased a total of 227 against UAE on Monday. Stylish left-hander Chapman was well set and looked certain of becoming the first centurion for Hong Kong in this tournament and guiding the team home when he was run-out responding to a suicidal call from his captain Najeeb Amar.

From 172 for six, Hong Kong slumped to 208 all out, in the process throwing away certain victory and a secure place in the top four. Now they face a mighty scrap against Namibia - who defeated them easily in a practice match - and pray that lady luck favours them in the other two games.

With one win - over Uganda - under their belt, Hong Kong somehow finds themselves in fourth position in the standings. They will have to end the day like this as only the top four sides will get increased ICC funding.

"As long as we keep it nice and tight against Namibia, and don't let our net run rate suffer too badly, we should be okay even if we lose. If we can beat Namibia, we still can control our destiny, but otherwise, it is out of our hands," Burke said.

Hong Kong have a net run rate of -0.525, which is marginally better than fifth-placed Bermuda (-0.670) and bottom-placed Uganda (-1.516).

Skipper Najeeb has lost the toss at the last three matches and this has proved crucial for sides winning the toss, tend to bat first and have emerged winners defending a total.

"The toss will be important. We need to bat first and get our net run rate up. But to do this, we need to bat a bit more cleverly," Burke said.

With just four fifties from the bat so far - Chapman responsible for two with Hussain Butt and Nizakat Khan getting the other - the rest of Hong Kong's batting has been dismissal. Everyone will have to chip in today to keep the dream alive.