Hong Kong are set to take part in their second T20 World Cup having competed for the first time in 2014 where they took the scalp of Bangladesh before going out in the initial group stage. They will be looking to use that experience to push for a place in the main draw in India.
Form
If Hong Kong are to make it into the main draw they will have to turn around their fortunes from the Asia Cup very quickly. In qualifying for that tournament they suffered heavy defeats to the UAE and Afghanistan and were edged out by Oman.
Prior to the Asia Cup their record in T20 was very positive and if their big players turn up at the right time then they could have a say in this group and maybe take a more illustrious scalp with them but qualifying for the main event looks a tough ask it must be said.
Key players
Mark Chapman is Hong Kong’s best batsman. He has been in their system for a while and has been playing First-class cricket in New Zealand this winter which bodes well for him should Hong Kong make it through as he will have faced some top level bowling domestically. His 157 in a List A game for Auckland against the Central Districts in January highlighted his quality.
Ryan Campbell could become the oldest T20 debutant if he plays in this tournament. The Australia born 44 year old played two ODIs for his native country in 2002 which underlines the quality he has. He has already scored runs against a local team in a warm up match ahead of this competition and his cricketing experience could be vital, particularly in the dressing room.
Fixtures
Tues Mar 8 – Group B: Hong Kong vs Zimbabwe (Nagpur)
Thurs Mar 10 – Group B: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong (Nagpur)
Sat Mar 12 – Group B: Hong Kong vs Scotland (Nagpur)
Stats
Overall T20I record: P17 W8 L9
Last 10 results (most recent last): LLLWWWLLLL
Record vs group opponents:
Vs Afghanistan: P4 W2 L2
Vs Scotland: P3 W1 L2
Vs Zimbabwe: Never met
Record batting first: P5 W1 L4
Record batting second: P12 W7 L5
Odds
Tournament odds: 5000/1 (general)
Group B odds: 33/1 (Betfred)
Team bets
I’m going with just the one bet for Hong Kong and it comes in their top batsman market. While I’m usually wanting openers in these markets, especially with the strong likelihood of Hong Kong only playing three matches, I can’t ignore the standout quality of Mark Chapman.
With Irfan Ahmed now suspended Hong Kong will be trying out a new opening partnership in this tournament and that isn’t ideal so maybe they will struggle up top in which case the class of Chapman can come through.
Chapman will bat at four but he has already scored runs on this tour against a decent Irish side and he averages over 23 in T20Is now which is no mean feat. He has been facing strong attacks all winter and that can stand him in good stead here. At 4/1 he’s a standout bet to be the top Hong Kong tournament run scorer.
Back M.Chapman Top Hong Kong Tournament Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 5.00 with NetBet
Back him here:
