Hong Kong suffer 8 wicket loss to Singapore

Hosts Singapore cruised to a comfortable 8 wicket victory over Hong Kong in their FTCT match at the Kallang ground.

09-Oct-2005

Hong Kong finished the 2005 Fast Track Countries Tournament campaign on a disappointing note as they were beaten by hosts Singapore by 8 wicket at the Kallang ground.

Morning rain delayed the start of the third day's play by two hours. When play finally got underway at 1130 hrs the Hong Kong batsmen took an ultra- cautious approach with only 38 runs scored from the 22 overs bowled in the first session. Skipper Tim Smart advanced his score to 41 before falling lbw to Shoib Razak - the bowler claiming his third wicket of the innings. Hong Kong went to lunch at 89-4, a lead of 30 runs.

Singapore's spin bowlers ran through the Hong Kong batsmen after lunch, picking up the last six wickets for the addition of only 19 runs. Christopher Janik claimed the best figures (4-26) whilst A N Balaji kept the Hong Kong batsmen tied down in a mesmerizing spell during which he bowled 17.4 overs that contained 13 maidens and conceded only four runs. He was rewarded for his efforts by picking up the last two wickets to fall.

The Singapore batsmen took little time to wrap up their victory. They reached their target of 50 for the loss of two wickets in 11.3 overs. Chaminda Ruwan completed a good match, finishing undefeated on 20.

Match Referee, Mr Subrata Bannerjee from India, awarded the Man of the Match honour to Afzaal Haider.

Runners-up in 2004, Hong Kong were unable to register a win in the 2005 FTCT tournament, suffering losses to UAE, Malaysia and Singapore whilst their match against Nepal was drawn on account of poor weather.