Hong Kong cricket set to plot ‘how we move forwards’ after more T20 disappointment
City team fail to reach final of home quadrangular T20 series after rain ruins pivotal clash with Nepal, who face Kuwait in final on Sunday
Head coach Simon Willis said Hong Kong cricket would have a period of reflection, then “decide how we want to move forwards”, after another disappointing tournament.
Rain ruined Hong Kong’s chances of reaching the final of their home quadrangular T20 tournament, after the heavens opened when the hosts, batting first, were 68 for three against Nepal on Saturday.
Willis refused to blame the wet skies over Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground for his side’s exit, after they lost to Kuwait in their opening match on Wednesday.
“In tournaments, you can’t leave it to lady luck, you have to determine your own fate by winning games early,” Willis said, adding it was the third time since his appointment in March 2023 that “we’ve gone out of competitions because of rain”.
Hong Kong have been relegated to the undercard of Sunday’s action, with their morning third-place playoff against Qatar the appetiser for Nepal against Kuwait in the final.
The Qataris lost all three of their group matches, including a 68-run thumping by Hong Kong on Thursday.
“We did OK against Qatar, but we’re not where I expect, given the talent in the group,” Willis said. “They don’t realise how good they are, but they have to take responsibility, and show commitment and focus, to achieve the things they want.”