Daijiworld Media Network
Vidharba, Mar 8 : This is the third time (2012, 2014 and 2016) Hong Kong are taking part in the ICC World T20 qualifiers. They, however, have failed to progress to the further stages on previous occasions.
Clinched a low-scoring thriller against Bangladesh in the last World T20 - Hence, they cannot be taken lightly.
Haven't won a single game in the recently concluded Asia Cup qualifiers.
Recent form: Won a nail-biter against HPCA XI but have surrendered meekly against Ireland (in the practice games).
Key players: Ryan Campbell, Mark Chapman, Anushman Rath, Tanwir Afzal.
Hong Kong have won the toss and have opted to field
Pitch report: The pitch is pretty dry and you can expect the cracks in these conditions. But it's very hard and there's just a bit of grass covering to make it easy. 140 batting first looks par and a score of 150 is a must for Zimbabwe, reckons Nick Knight on air
Teams:
Hong Kong (Playing XI): James Atkinson(w), Ryan Campbell, Babar Hayat, Mark Chapman, Anshuman Rath, Nizakat Khan, Kinchit Shah, Tanwir Afzal(c), Aizaz Khan, Haseeb Amjad, Nadeem Ahmed
Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Hamilton Masakadza(c), Vusi Sibanda, Richmond Mutumbami(w), Sean Williams, Malcolm Waller, Sikandar Raza, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Tinashe Panyangara, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chatara
Masakadza: We are happy to bat first. Looks like a good batting wicket. So not a bad thing that we lost the toss. Someone has to be dropped for a couple of guys obviously. We had a good warm-up game against Ireland and hopefully the boys will take some confidence from that.
Afzal: We will bowl first. I think the pitch really looks good for bat and bowl. We will restrict them under 140. Campbell is back in the side and that will be a huge boost for us.
Right then! Here's some jaw-dropping fact already. Ryan Campbell who has played 2 ODIs for Australia will be now making his debut for Hong Kong. My colleague Bharath Ramaraj, who breathes cricket tells me 'Campbell used to open for Western Australia along with Michael Hussey.' Wondering why all that fuss about him? Today, he will become the oldest player to make debut in T20Is. At the age of FOUR-FOUR (44 years, 30 days to be precise)...
Phewf! That's a wrap ladies and gentlemen. This is going to be fun. The next 27 days, we will be all eyes and ears to bring some jaw-dropping action to your desktops and mobile screens. So, sit back and savour the tussle between wood and leather as we seek to bring you the best coverage possible. Toss and team news in a bit. Don't go away...
In case you aren't aware: The winner of group A (Bangladesh, Oman, Ireland, Netherlands) will join India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Australia. The winner of group B (Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Scotland) will join England, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe: Slotted just above their today's opponents, 13th in the rankings.
Barring 2009 World T20, they have appeared in every edition. Zimbabwe pulled out of the 2009 World T20 in England citing political reasons.
Have a proud record of defeating Australia in their World T20 debut game.
Failed to make it to the group stages in 2014 World T20.
Recent form: In contrast, Zimbabwe lost one to HPCA XI and had a saunter against Ireland.
Key players: Hamilton Masakadza, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams, Elton Chigumbura.
Hong Kong: Currently placed 14th in the ICC T20I rankings.