Hong Kong to host PNG for three ODIs in November

Hong Kong are set to host Papua New Guinea for three ODIs in the first week of November in Mong Kok, which hosted its first international match earlier this year. The games are scheduled for November 4, 6 and 8.

This home series is wedged between two away tours for Hong Kong. They travel to Ireland and Scotland for three weeks from August 30, and then to Kenya for two World Cricket League 50-over matches from November 18.

Head coach Simon Cook was looking forward to a busy season of cricket. "Our players are currently in a strength phase of their training program which is going really well so we should be seeing a faster, stronger and more durable Hong Kong squad leading into this really busy six-month period," he said.

Papua New Guinea had met Hong Kong on their ODI debut in 2014 and were whitewashed in a two-match series held in Townsville.

Hong Kong director of cricket Charlie Burke was happy for the rivalry to resume. "It was only in 2010 when we met in Division 3 and since we have both emerged to register some excellent results [in the] World Cricket League and World Cup qualifiers.

"The bigger picture is to continue preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in 2018."