Pakistan cruise past Hong Kong

Dubai - Chapman, one of the more enterprising and genuinely talented players with a strong Kiwi connection, could go on to play cricket at the higher level among the elite of the sport.

Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by 64 runs in a friendly T20 fixture at the ICC Academy grounds at Dubai Sports City, on Monday.
After putting up 167-7 from their quota of 20 overs, Pakistan, who will be taking on England in a three-match T20 series this weekend and on Monday, contained the spirited islanders to 103 all out in 17.1 overs.
Slow bowlers, right arm off break exponent Bilal Asif (2-13) and veteran leggie Shahid Afridi (2-21), kept the charge of the Hong Kong men in check. Opening bowlers Aamer Yamin and veteran left arm medium pacer Sohail Tanvir chipped in with one wicket each. As usual Hong Kong were inspired by young batsman Mark Chapman who made his presence felt again in the UAE with a superbly compiled half ton. The 21-year-old spanked a splendid century on debut on the international stage in the second tier championships now in progress in the UAE, last week.
Chapman, one of the more enterprising and genuinely talented players with a strong Kiwi connection, could go on to play cricket at the higher level among the elite of the sport.
The southpaw who also bowls slow left arm orthodox, scored 50 from 39 balls with five boundaries and two 6s and had all the Pakistani bowlers in some kind of discomfort during his stay at the crease.
Only opener Anshuman Rath (18) and Waqas Khan coming lower down in the order, could get into double figures as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Earlier in the Pakistan innings, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammed Rizwan stroked out a delightful 55 from 38 balls with five fours and two 6s. He was given support by his colleagues Rafatauolah Mohamad 25, Shoaib Maqsood 25 and tailenders Yamin 27 and Anwar Ali 16.
Right arm medium fast Haseeb Amjad (3-38) and left handed allrounder Rath (2-30) who has played for the Middlesex U19 squad, were among the main wicket takers for the islanders.
Rizwan said: Sometimes things go bad, sometimes wrong, some times great. I enjoy playing the game at any level. T20 is more to my liking. Domestic and club cricket this season have so far been going to my liking and my performances were generally fine. There is no added pressure, in fact I enjoy pressure situations. All this is part of the game.
"Being honest to one own self is key in a career. If I am doing on an average level then someone better or good has to take the place I am in. This is a pre-T20 World Cup series (England v Pakistan) and I know of the stakes at hand. With God's grace I should be part of the pre-World Cup planning and preparations."
moni@khaleejtimes.com