Winning start for Hong Kong Under-15 team in Nepal

Upendra Prasad Bhattarai, the vice-president of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), presents members of the Hong Kong Under-15 team with garlands upon their arrival in Nepal © NepalCricket.com

The Hong Kong Under-15 team arrived in Kathmandu on Monday afternoon to be greeted by the Cricket Association of Nepal and a strong media presence. Coach Sher Lama attracted attention because of his Nepalese connections and featured prominently in the media that evening and the following morning. Nepal cricket web sites also feature the Hong Kong team's arrival.

On Tuesday 20 November Hong Kong played its first practice match against Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidhyalaya (BSAM) School at Bhaktapur, an hour from Kathmandu in sunny and warm conditions. The school has a roll of 2000 including 300 day girls. The School cricket ground will be used during the ACC tournament and Hong Kong will play Nepal at this venue. The School's Headmistress was born in Hong Kong while her father was serving with the British Army.

The School XI included one current Nepal age group player and a few players whose involvement in the match versus Hong Kong could be described as enthusiastic. Nevertheless it was a positive start to the tour. Hong Kong won the toss and batted first. Sagar Chandra (51) produced a fine half century assisted by Nizakat Khan (28) and Shivam Hemnani (31) and Hong Kong reached 212 for 7 in the allotted 40 overs. Miten Khatri captained the side as Mark Chapman was rested together with Niaz Ali (injured). In reply, after some wayward early overs, the Hong Kong bowlers strangled the run rate and when the hosts attempted to hit out wickets tumbled. Sinmandeep Singh and Nizakat Khan picked up 4 wickets apiece and Hong Kong dismissed the School XI for 123 runs.

The team trains in Kathmandu today before returning to the Bhaktapur ground tomorrow for a match against stronger opposition.