Hong Kong defeat hosts Malaysia by 114 runs

Hong Kong today inflicted a heavy defeat on hosts Malaysia on the first day of the inaugural ACC Women's Cricket tournament being played in Johor Bahru, Malaysia this week.

Eight countries are competing in this new tournament, featuring 30 overs per innings, being staged by ACC to promote the growth of women's cricket in the region.

Along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong are one of the favourites for reaching the final, and they lived up to expectations today in a rain affected match at Johor Cricket Academy oval.

Malaysia won the toss and put Hong Kong into bat. After 2 overs and 24 runs without loss the heavens opened and play was stopped, only to be resumed after lunch. Nevertheless, no overs were lost and the Hong Kong openers, Emma Philips (16) and captain Neisha Pratt (71) put on a useful opening stand of 56 before Emma was adjudged LBW.

Despite all of the Malaysian bowlers sending down good deliveries, and some keen fielding, too many loose balls were bowled and good running between the stumps by the well drilled Hong Kong batsmen allowed the runs to steadily grow.

Pratt was well caught on 71 in the 23rd over when pushing the score further along.

Hong Kong posted a competitive total of 144 for the loss of 4 wickets.

Earlier Samantha McIlwraith had retired hurt after twisting her leg taking a quick single. The injury is not thought to be serious.

In reply Hong Kong had early success by removing Mahani Mohammed Ahyar for a duck with a well executed run out by Kristine Wong.

None of the Malaysian batsmen could make any impact on the tight Hong Kong bowling. In fact the Malaysian number 3 faced 45 balls before she was out for 0.

Malaysia were bowled out for 29 in the 26th over with Neisha Pratt claiming 4 wickets for 4 runs and Kaori Iida 2 wickets for 3 runs.

Hong Kong won the match by 114 runs and face Thailand on the 13th July.