Hong Kong pipped in Chennai tour opener

Hong Kong lost the opening game of the their five match tour of Chennai, India, in a close fought encounter against a MAC Foundation Selection played at the Mayajaal Ground on 24th July 2006.

Batting first, the Hong Kong top order struggled to come to grips with the local bowling attack and they slumped to 101-5 midway through the innings. Butt Hussain was the only batsman to get on top of the attack, scoring an unbeaten half-century. Butt's patient 94 provided the cornerstone of the innings before he perished in the late innings push for runs. He received valuable support from number 8 batsman Amjad Mahmood, who scored a hard hit 73. Hong Kong finished on 266-9 from their 50 overs with Extras contributing a healthy 47. Uma Patht was the most successful of the local bowlers, claiming three wickets from his eight over spell.

In reply, the MAC Foundation team made steady progress towards their target with Lakshmana Morthy (37) and Lakshmi Naryan (63) making solid contributions. A mid-order slump, sparked by a three wicket burst from Afzaal Haider, gave Hong Kong a sniff of victory, but an impressive unbeaten 92 from Khader Bhajha eased the home team to their target with two balls and three wickets to spare in an exciting finish. Afzaal Haider finished with the fine figures of 3-41 from his ten overs whilst Jamshaid Khan claimed 2-21 from five overs.

Hong Kong 266-9 in 50 overs (Butt Hussain 94, Amjad Mahmood 73, Nisar 32; Uma Patht 3-64, Prem Veer 2-26) lost to 270-7 in 49.4 overs (Lakshmana Morthy 37, Lakshmi Naryan 63, Khader Bhajha 92*; Afzaal Haider 3-41, Jamshaid Khan 2-21) by 3 wkts

[Full Scorecard]