On the opening day of cricket fixtures at the 19th Asian Games, Hong Kong and Malaysia will go head-to-head in match no. 2. The game is scheduled to take place at the ZJUT Cricket Field in Hangzhou on the 19th of September, 2023, commencing at 11:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Following their participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, both Hong Kong and Malaysia competed in a 3-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series. Hosts Malaysia sealed the series win with two straight wins, while Hong Kong, having won the dead rubber, will hope to carry that momentum into the Asian Games.
Squads:
Hong Kong – Kary Chan (C), Natasha Miles (VC), Maryam Bibi, Betty Chan, Charlotte Chan, Dorothea Chan, Amanda Cheung, Lemon Cheung, Cindy Ho, Emma Lai, Heiley Lui, Bella Poon, Alison Siu, Yee Shan To, Akash Yousaf
Malaysia – Winifred Duraisingam (C), Mas Elysa (VC), Musfirah Nur Ainaa, Ainur Amelina, Nik Nur Atiela, Aisya Eleesa, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Jamahidaya Intan, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Wan Julia (WK), Dhanusri Muhunan, Aina Najwa (WK), Nur Arianna Natsya, Nur Dania Syuhada, Wan Nor Zulaika
Players to watch out:
Natasha Miles
The 34-year-old batter averages 26.88 from 29 T20I outings and has accumulated 587 runs, including the best of 86*. Despite not performing at her best in the lead-up to the Games, Natasha managed scores of 26 and 28* against China and Myanmar, respectively. Although she was not part of the bilateral series against Malaysia, she will rely on the promising starts she managed during the ICC event to regain her form in the Games.
Maryam Bibi
The 20-year-old pacer has accumulated 120 runs from 23 innings with the bat and claimed 40 wickets from 35 T20I outings, with respective bests of 34 and 4/8. While Maryam continues to impress with the ball, her form with the bat was a concern during the Asia Qualifier. However, during the bilateral series against Malaysia, she was back among runs, top-scoring with 73 runs in 3 games.
Winifred Duraisingam
The 30-year-old all-rounder, in 56 T20I appearances, has piled on 871 runs, including a high score of 73, and has taken 41 wickets with her best bowling figures being 3/9. With promising numbers both as a batter and a bowler, coupled with her experience in FairBreak cricket, Winifred is a significant asset. Her form in the lead-up to the Games has been good, marked by consistent starts, economical spells, and a few wickets.
Ainna Hamizah Hashim
The 23-year-old all-rounder in T20Is has played 43 innings with the bat, contributing 336 runs, and has taken 36 wickets in 53 outings, with respective bests of 46* and 5/4. Ainna recently registered a new career-best score of 46*, highlighting her good form with the bat. On the bowling front, while she hasn’t struck too many wickets, she has been consistently economical.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the ZJUT Cricket Field, Hangzhou, showcases a slow nature, offering a substantial advantage to the bowlers, particularly the spinners. Batters face a tough battle on this wicket, reflected in the average scores that tend to stay in the 100s.
Weather:
With partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain, the conditions are pleasant to be at the cricket. The temperature is forecasted to hover in the mid-30s (°C), with light winds and a humidity level of 63%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Wan Julia, Natasha Miles, Mas Elysa, Kary Chan, Maryam Bibi, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Winifred Duraisingam, Betty Chan, Nur Arianna Natsya, Nur Dania Syuhada
Match details:
Date – September 19, 2023
Time – 11:30 AM IST
Venue – ZJUT Cricket Field, Hangzhou
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Sony Liv and televised on the Sony Sports Network.