Hong Kong thrash Canada by 9 wickets at ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2014

In a stunning all-round performance, Hong Kong has beaten Canada by 9 wickets in the team's second match at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2014 tournament in New Zealand. Following a fine bowling performance that saw the Canadians dismissed for 171, Irfan Ahmed and skipper Jamie Atkinson powered Hong Kong to victory in 25.2 overs with an unbroken partnership worth 166 runs.

Batting first after winning the toss, Canada struggled to make headway against the Hong Kong opening bowlers. Tanwir Afzal was particularly economical, conceding just 11 runs in his ten over spell. The pressure to score runs took its toll on the Canadian batsmen and from 0-41 after 11 overs, they slumped to 5-100 by the 28th over mark. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as Hong Kong applied the screws. Haseeb Amjed cleaned up the tail as Canada was dismissed for 171 off the last ball of the 48th over.

Hong Kong lost player/coach Mark Wright in the second over but his early departure did not deter the Hong Kong batsmen. Following a cautious start, Irfan Ahmed and Jamie Atkinson started playing shots with more freedom. The pair brought up their 100 partnership off 106 balls as Hong Kong reached 114-1 at the 20 over mark.

But the fireworks were just about to start and over the next 5.2 overs the pair reeled off the remaining 58 runs needed for victory. Irfan finished unbeaten on 100, scored off 85 balls, including 14 fours and 2 sixes, deservedly earning him the Man of the Match award while Jamie brought up his half-century with a six and finished unbeaten on 63 including 9 other fours.

Match Summary: Canada 171 from 48 overs (Haseeb Amjad 3-42) lost to Hong Kong 173-1 off 25.2 overs (Irfan Ahmed 100*, Jamie Atkinson 63*) by 9 wkts [Full Scorecard]

Speaking after the game, centurion and Man of the Match Irfan Ahmed said "I felt very comfortable out there; very confident. It was a good track, perhaps keeping a little low. Our bowlers bowled really well to restrict them to 171. When they bowled, they just kept putting in the slot and Jamie (Atkinson) and I took full advantage. It was a good partnership with him."

Today's century was Irfan's second against Canada in as many months, having scored an even 100 at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2013 in UAE on 18th November 2013 in another Man of the Match performance.