Hosts Hong Kong and Japan are scheduled to go head-to-head in match no. 2 of the forthcoming 2023 Hong Kong Women’s Twenty20 (T20) Quadrangular series. The game will be contested at the Hong Kong Cricket Club, Wong Nai Chung Gap, on the 15th of November, 2023, and will commence at 11:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Hong Kong – Kary Chan (C), Natasha Miles (VC), Alison Siu, Betty Chan, Dorothea Chan, Emma Lai, Elysa Hubbard, Iqra Sahar, Lemon Cheung, Mariko Hill, Maryam Bibi, Mya Gardner, Ruchitha Venkatesh, Shanzeen Shadzad
Japan – Ahilya Chandel, Ayumi Fujikawa, Kiyo Fujikawa, Hinase Goto, Palak Gundecha, Ruan Kanai, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, Akari Nishimura, Meg Ogawa, Shrunali Ranade, Seika Sumi, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Mai Yanagida (C), Nonoha Yasumoto
Players to watch out:
Maryam Bibi
The 20-year-old all-rounder has accumulated 165 runs in 25 innings and scalped 42 wickets from 37 outings. While Maryam has consistently been bowling well, her batting form was a concern, but not of late, as she has managed to convert her starts into significant scores. The team will bank on her to carry forward this all-round form.
Kary Chan
The 26-year-old spin all-rounder in T20Is, in 52 innings, has scalped 61 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 4.53, and has registered the best of 5/4. With the bat, Kary has amassed 797 runs, including the highest of 70, from 47 outings. In her recent outing, during the Asia Qualifier, Kary notched up her career best of 70 and most recently in the All-Stars series registered bowling figures of 0/21, 1/21, and 2/14.
Mai Yanagida
The 30-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, in 24 batting outings, has added 157 runs to the tally while has struck 11 wickets from 18 outings. In the team’s most recent outing, during the East Asia Pacific Regional Qualifier, Mai managed a few good starts but didn’t go on to convert many, while with the ball, remained underbowled.
Ahilya Chandel
The 20-year-old all-rounder, in 15 T20I appearances, has accumulated 189 runs and scalped 13 wickets, including the respective bests of 28* and 4/12. Lately, Ahilya could only manage a string of starts, but the team will want a little more from Ahilya the batter, while Ahilya the bowler, has been economical and effective.
Pitch:
The wicket at Hong Kong Cricket Club, Wong Nai Chung Gap, heavily favors the bowlers, particularly the spinners, who receive ample support from the 22-yard strip. Batters have found it challenging to score freely on this wicket resulting in an average score of 77 at this venue.
Weather:
With moderate winds, humidity at 68%, and the temperature forecasted to hover around 23°C, the conditions are pleasant for a complete game of cricket. The overhead is expected to be clear and the chances of rain are minimal.
Fantasy playing XI:
Akari Nishimura, Mai Yanagida, Natasha Miles, Mariko Hill, Kary Chan, Ahilya Chandel, Maryam Bibi, Nonoha Yasumoto, Betty Chan, Alison Siu, Iqra Sahar
Match details:
Date – November 15, 2023
Time – 11:30 AM IST
Venue – Hong Kong Cricket Club, Wong Nai Chung Gap
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and Cricket Hong Kong’s Facebook page.