Hong Kong’s ODI ambitions faced a setback with the abandonment of their match against Tanzania, alongside Uganda’s match with Italy due to rain. After a strong start to the league, Hong Kong’s one-point gain from the washed-out game keeps them third, trailing Uganda and Italy. The upcoming league leg will be critical for their World Cup qualifying hopes and regaining ODI status.
Hong Kong’s aspirations for reclaiming their One Day International (ODI) status were significantly undermined when their Cricket World Cup Challenge League B encounter against Tanzania was abandoned without any play occurring on Wednesday. Additionally, the match between Italy and Uganda also succumbed to inclement weather, adding to the day’s frustrations for the teams involved.
Following a solid start in this phase of the tournament with victories against Singapore and Bahrain, Hong Kong was anticipated to secure a win against last-placed Tanzania at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. However, the washout resulted in them only earning one point, hindering their ability to improve their position relative to Uganda and Italy, who also received one point each from their cancelled match.
Currently, Hong Kong sits third in the six-team standings, sharing points with Italy, who are in second place, while being two points shy of the table leaders, Uganda. The top two teams from the upcoming leg of the challenge, scheduled for next year, will advance toward the next stage of the 2027 World Cup qualifying process, a route that will be vital for Hong Kong to regain its former ODI status, which was lost in 2018.
The recent washouts have severely impacted Hong Kong’s chances of regaining ODI status, as they now struggle to distance themselves from rivals in the league standings. The results leave them third, with limited opportunities to advance unless they secure victories in future matches. The stakes are high for the upcoming leg, which is crucial for qualifying for the 2027 World Cup and restoring their ODI standing.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
