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Jay Dansinghani

Hong Kong chased down a target of 86 in the last over against Tanzania in a dramatic final to clinch the Hong Kong Women’s T20I Trophy.
Needing 31 to win off the last 43 balls, the home side looked to be cruising toward their target until Natasha Miles smashed Sophia Jerome into the hands of Monica Pascal at cover to get dismissed for 27.
More tight bowling from a spirited Tanzania pushed the required rate close to five runs an over before Maryam Bibi slogged Sheila Kizito for four, beating the outstretched hands of a diving Hudaa Omary at mid on.
Tied down by Tanzania’s constant pressure, Emma Lai tried to break free, only managing to sky Aisha Mohamed straight into the hands of Saum Mtae in the circle.
With 16 required off the last three overs, Mohamed dropped Bibi at long on, giving her a second life and allowing her to get through for a second run. Bibi was again put down, this time at mid wicket, and once again crossed through for a second run in a seven-run penultimate over, which also included two wide balls.

With three required off the last six balls and new batter Elysa Hubbard at the crease, Tanzania were still in with a chance. Hubbard, however, dashed the visitors’ hopes, sweeping Jerome into deep square leg for four to seal a dramatic win as Hong Kong’s dugout and a rapturous home crowd stormed the field.
“This is a fairy tale ending,” said Player of the Match Mariko Hill, whose five wickets for two runs helped bowl Tanzania out in the 19th over.
“Half of us in the team pretty much grew up playing here [at the Hong Kong Cricket Club]. I started playing here when I was 11 on this exact ground.”
Earlier in the day, Tanzania found themselves in trouble at 48 for four in the 11th over after Iqra Sahar took two wickets off successive balls, including Neema Pius who was caught behind after edging an attempted drive to wicket keeper Lemon Cheung.

Monica Pascal’s fluent 42 guided them to 76 with four overs and five wickets in hand. Hill, however, produced a devastating spell of quick bowling to snare all five wickets in just 10 balls, including Pascal who missed an inswinger that hooped in to bowl her.
“Keeping the stumps in play was always my plan. If they miss, I hit. That was the strategy,” said Hill.
Hong Kong coach Andy Cottam hailed Sunday’s win as a team effort and spoke about the value of playing high-pressure games.
“It was a good battle,” he said.
“The girls hadn’t really been tested under pressure. It was the first time that other batters [outside the top three] were involved in the win and that’s what you like to see.”
Hong Kong’s next international fixtures are yet to be confirmed. Nonetheless, the series serves as important preparation ahead of the Asia Cup Qualifiers, scheduled for May 2024 in Nepal.


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Cricket Hong Kong

Mariko Hill takes five wickets as Hong Kong clinch Women’s T20I cricket trophy in last-over thriller

Hong Kong celebrate winning the Women’s T20I Trophy. Photos: Cricket Hong Kong, China

Maryam Bibi and Elysa Hubbard celebrate after guiding Hong Kong to victory over Tanzania.

Hong Kong’s team run onto the pitch to celebrate.

Hong Kong Women’s T20 Series: Hill and Miles guide home side to crushing victory over Tanzania

Mariko Hill shared in an unbeaten stand of 107 with Natasha Miles. Photo: ICC

Hong Kong’s Alison Siu ripped the heart out of the Tanzania top order. Photo: ICC

Iqra Sahar is Hong Kong’s latest cricket hat trick hero as hosts make Women’s T20I series final

Iqra Sahar bowls during the Hong Kong Women’s T201 Series match against Nepal at Hong Kong Cricket Club. Photos: Yik Yeung-man

Ruchitha Venkatesh (left) celebrates with Iqra Sahar after a wicket. 

Iqra Sahar with her Player of the Match award in Wong Nai Chung Gap. 

Kary Chan first woman to take multiple T20I hat-tricks as Hong Kong crush Japan in series opener

Captain Kary Chan in action for Hong Kong in their women’s T20 clash in Malaysia. Photo: Handout


Natasha Miles (left) and captain Kary Chan celebrate after taking the wicket of Priyada Murali in Malaysia. Photo: ACC

Former Hong Kong star Mark Chapman ready for game of his life at Cricket World Cup, after coming of age in New Zealand colours

Mark Chapman is established in New Zealand’s middle order after gaining his international grounding with Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

Chapman made an undefeated century on his one day international debut for Hong Kong in 2015. Photo: Handout 

Chapman was only 19 when he played for Hong Kong at the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Photo: AFP

The 29-year-old slapped a quick fire 39 on his return from a calf injury against Pakistan. Photo: Reuters

Sport

Cricket

Hong Kong

Player of the Match Hill hails ‘fairy tale ending’ as hosts chase down Tanzania in a dramatic final on Sunday
‘Half of us in the team pretty much grew up playing here at Hong Kong Cricket Club,’ she says as coach lauds ‘good battle’


Player of the Match Mariko Hill takes five wickets, hails ‘fairy tale ending’ as hosts chase down Tanzania in dramatic final on Sunday.
