Daijiworld Media Network

Chittagong, Mar 18 : It's a do-or-die game for both Afghanistan and Hong Kong having lost opening games to Bangladesh and Nepal respectively. Who will get the better of whom? Time will tell us. A warm welcome to the third day of the first round games. Afghanistan, who have been quite impressive in international cricket of late, will be looking forward to do well and stay alive in the tournament. Hong Kong on the other hand, though tagged as the best side on paper, couldn't quite live up to their reputaion against Nepal as their batting line-up collapsed dramatically. Skipper Atkinson stated in the post-match presentation that his side is capable of bouncing back. It will be interesting to see the playing XI of both the sides, toss and more coming up your way in a short while.

Pitch Report: 'The wicket is pretty hard and the ball will come on to the bat nicely. There is a bit of green tinge on the wicket, but it's been nicely rolled in,' recokns Rameez Raja.

Hong Kong have won the toss and have opted to bat

Atkinson: 'We were outplayed as well, we have found out a few areas to improve and hopefully we will do well today. We will bat first, the wicket looks pretty good. Munir Dar replaces Najeeb Amar.'

Nabi: 'We didn't start well in the tournament but we'll try hard to play better in this one. The toss isn't that important as there is a bit of grass on the surface. We are playing 2 fast bowlers and 1 medium-fast bowlers.'

Teams:

Afghanistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Shahzad(w), Najeeb Taraki, Asghar Stanikzai, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi(c), Samiullah Shenwari, Gulbadin Naib, Hamza Hotak, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran

Hong Kong (Playing XI): Waqas Barkat, Irfan Ahmed, James Atkinson(w/c), Mark Chapman, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Munir Dar, Tanwir Afzal, Aizaz Khan, Haseeb Amjad, Nadeem Ahmed