Loss to Afghanistan ends World Cup dream for Hong Kong Under-19s

Hong Kong's dreams of another appearance at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup were shattered when they were beaten by Afghanistan in the semi-final of the ACC Under-19 Elite Cup 2011 in Bangkok today.

An appearance in the ACC Under-19 Trophy Elite final would have given Hong Kong the opportunity to play in the qualifying tournament for the 2012 ICC Under-19 World Cup, but they proved no match for Afghanistan, who powered to a seven wicket victory with more than 18 overs to spare.

Much was expected from the two finalists from the 2009 ACC Under-19 Trophy Elite but Hong Kong's batting once again failed to fire as the defending champions were dismissed for 133 from 43.3 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat. Hong Kong looked on target for a more competitive total when they were well placed at 83-3 nearing the half-way mark of their innings, but the dismissal of Nizakat Khan for 26 triggered a collapse that saw them lose their last six wickets for an additional 50 runs. Kinchit Shah (28) and Sagar Chandra (27) were the only other batsmen to make any impression on the Afghanistan bowling attack in a disappointing display.

Chief destroyer for Afghanistan was Abdul Rashid who picked up 5-27 from 9.3 overs, while Shir Shirzai claimed 3-29 from 9 overs.

Afghanistan made short work of their target, with opener Afsar Khan Zazai (57) and number 3 Noor-ul Haq (42*) powering them to a comprehensive victory in just 31.3 overs. Hong Kong's Niaz Ali did his best with 3-44 from his ten overs but none of his bowling partners were able to penetrate the Afghanistan defenses.

Summary Scorecard: HKG U19 133 from 43.3 overs (Kinchit Shah 28, Nizakat Khan 26, Saqar Chandra 27; Shir Shirzai 3-29, Abdul Rashid 5-27) lost to AFG U19 134-3 from 31.3 overs (Afsar Khan Zazai 57, Noor-ul42*; Niaz Ali 3-44) by 7 wkts

Hong Kong's loss condemns them to the 3rd/4th play-off match where they will hope to avenge their shock loss to Qatar earlier in the tournament. Meanwhile Afghanistan will face Nepal in the ACC Under-19 Elite Cup 2011 final but, more importantly, both teams also progress to the ICC Under-19 World Cup Qualifier, where they will dream of World Cup glory.