Hong Kong suffered a nightmare start to their ICC World Cricket League (Division 3) campaign when they went down to Oman and the USA in their first two matches.

In the tournament opener against the USA on Saturday, the hosts were defeated by a whopping 7 wickets at the small Kowloon Cricket Club oval. A day later they suffered the same fate, at the same venue, but this time to Oman by 3 wickets. 

However, the tournament hosts can still rescue their dreams of promotion to Division 2 of the World Cricket League when they meet Denmark (Tuesday 25 January) and Italy (Wednesday 26 January) at the Mission Road oval.  Their final match will be against Papua New Guinea/PNG (Friday 28 January) at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.

ICC media manager Lucy Benjamin introduces the skippers at a media event last week (Pic: ICC)

Promotion or demotion

The two finalists in the competition will be promoted to the ICC WCL Division 2 and will play in the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 tournament to be played in UAE during 8-15April 2011. The 3rd and 4th placed teams will stay in WCL Division 3 while the 5th and 6th placed teams will be demoted to WCL Divsion 4. 

Hong Kong’s Irfan Ahmed (centre) celebrates in their match vs. Oman (Pic: ICC) 

Here are some more images from the WCL tournament:

The Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3 (WCL Div. 3) tournament will be played from 21 to 29 January 2011 right here in Hong Kong.

Teams from Denmark, Italy, USA, Oman and Papua New Guinea (PNG) will join hosts Hong Kong for the tournament.

The top two sides will win promotion to WCL Div. 2 to be staged in the United Arab Emirates in April 2011.

The matches will be hosted at three grounds in Hong Kong:

* Kowloon CC (KCC),

* Hong Kong CC (HKCC) and

* Mission Road.

Hong Kong will be lead by their inspirational skipper Najeeb Amar.

Here he is pictured during a visit to a local school (HK Sixes 2010):

The Hong Kong side for the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3 is:

Najeeb Amar (captain), Nadeem Ahmed, Irfan Ahmed, Waqas Barkat, Tabarak Dar, Khalid Butt, Asif Khan, Courtney Kruger; Roy Lansam, Mark Chapman, Nizakat Mohammad, Moner Muhammad, Adil Mehmood, Mohammad Aizaz Khan

Hong Kong cricket sixes soon-to-be-legend, Irfan Ahmed (below)

Cricketers from UK, Australia, Shanghai, Thailand and Hong Kong will be enjoying the camaraderie and competition of the 9th annual Hong Kong Cricket Festival this weekend (3-5th December) at Hong Kong’s newest cricket venue, Kai Tak Cricket Ground, site of the famous former airport.

The award winning Festival, part of the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour and hosted by Lamma Cricket Club, gets underway on Friday 3rd December at 1.30pm with a Twenty20 match featuring players from Shanghai Dragons & Pirates versus a combined Honourable Horse Artillery / CBB side in what promises to be an entertaining match up.

The sixes part of the cricket Festival will be played all day Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm.

Spectators and supporters, possibly feeling Ashes fever, are very welcome to come down to the picturesque ground in Kowloon City and enjoy the atmosphere.

For further information see the tournament website at www.hkcricketfestival.com

Here’s a teaser from last year’s Private Capital Cricket Festival:

One of these days I’m going to make a list of all the South African sporting and cultural heavyweights who have called on the Hong Kong shores, much to the delight of (most of) the South African expatriates.

This past weekend, to coincide with the 2010-edition of the Karp Group/PC Jewelry Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, it was the turn of one of our country’s cricketing legends: the fast bowler (hence the nickname) called Petrus Stephanus (Fanie) De Villiers.

One Saturday evening, the Southern African Association of Hong Kong hosted Fanie, together with members of this year’s South African team at a traditional South African braai (BBQ for the rest of you) at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.

The braai also served as a fund-raising event for Fanie’s charity dedicated to raising financial support for cochlear implants.

Many thanks has to go out to the auctioneer on the evening who did a sterling job of pushing up the bids with his wagging finger, as well as the SA team who helped to make the evening a memorable one.

Other highlights included Fanie’s eloquent and very entertaining speech, that of SA team skipper Shane Burger, the food as well as my very naughty neighbour trying to undress team wicketkeeper Adrian McLaren! (Have a look at the video clip below for all the action.)

The now-famous auctioneer and his wagging finger (below).

Here are some more images set to music from Steve Hofmeyer and Freshlyground:

The sun is out, the rain is gone and, the way the South Africans are playing, Day 2 of the Karp Group & PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes may just turn out to be yet another great outing.

South Africa played the first match of Day 2 and promptly dispatched Hong Kong by 15 runs.

With the revised tournament in effect (4 overs per side in the Pool stages) it’s 2 out of 2 for South Africa and they’re well on their way to topping their Pool to make it into the Cup Semi-Finals.

Here are some images I took this morning:

The SA team visiting a local cricket supplies stall after their fine win vs. Hong Kong (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The boys and their huge toys! The lense-men are out at the KCC (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The weather is rather miserable on this side of the noodle-curtain with constant rain falling since daybreak.

The 2010 Karp Group/PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes starts tomorrow and so far, all indications are that the tournament at the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) will experience a wet day 1.

South Africa starts proceding tomorrow morning with a repeat of last year’s Final against hosts Hong Kong.  The team in red was denied their first-ever victory on home soil in the Final last year and are sure to come back with guns bats blazing.  The Hong Kongers return with mostly the same squad as 2009.

Along with left-arm spinner  and skipper Najeeb Amar, the others who made Hong Kong proud 12 months ago and will be returning are Munir Dar, Irfan Ahmed, Tanvir Afzaal and Hussain Butt. The two new faces in the squad are left-handed batsman Peter Wooden and teenage medium-pacer Aizaz Khan.

On the South African side David Wiese is the only returning player and will have to guide his teammates in a format not familiar to South Africans.  The SA side is:

Andrew Birch, Shane Burger, Shaheen Khan, Keshav Maharaj, Adrian McLaren, Godfrey Stevens and Dave Wiese, with  Lawrence Mahatlane as Manager.

South Africa’s schedule in the pool stages tomorrow is:

6 Nov (8:20 AM) Hong Kong v South Africa

6 Nov (11:20 AM) England v South Africa

6 Nov (2:20 PM) South Africa v Australia

The weather outlook for the following few days:

Please visit this page for up-to-the-minute reports from the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.  You can also add us on Twitter by following @HowzitHongKong

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Saturday 6 November 2010: 9am

The first match of the day (South Africa vs. Hong Kong) scheduled for 08:20 has been delayed due to rain.

Right now, rain has actually stopped so played is scheduled to start at 10am.

The covers came on when the rain started. More pictures here

Saturday 6 November 2010: 09:35

South African has won the toss and will field when play starts at 10am

10:35: A fired-up Hong Kong set South Africa a target of 115 to win

10:45: The soft, constant drizzle seems to be intensifying as SA reaches 79/1 with 7 balls remaining.

Target: 36 from 7 balls

South Africa loses the match when they can only score 99 runs.

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11:25am: The start of match 2 (Pakistan vs. New Zealand) has been suspended due to rain

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14:25: The sparse crowd just cheered when the covers came off and the players started warming up

Next game: Pakistan vs. New Zealand

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Update: Due to the rain delay, the length of the matches have been reduced to 4-overs per side

The next match, Pakistan vs. New Zealand will start at 3:30pm

The schedule for Day 1 will be:

Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand

India vs. Pakistan

Hong Kong vs. England

South Africa vs. Australia

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News just in:

Organisers have decided to cancel the first game of the tournament played this morning between South Africa and Hong Kong.

Four matches are currently being played in the revised format of 4 overs per side:

Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand

India vs. Pakistan

Hong Kong vs. England

South Africa vs. Australia

The remainder of the original Pool matches (8 matches) will be played tomorrow, ahead of the knock-out rounds.

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Sri Lanka beat New Zealand

Pakistan beat India

Hong Kong beat England

South Africa beat Australia

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Day 2 of the Karp Group/PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes coming up tomorrow…

One of the pleasures of watching the action at the Karp Group/PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is seeing the ball fly over the stands and into the adjacent roads, the roof of the club-house or even the Kowloon Cricket Club pool.  The likelihood of that happening several times over has increased with news that the Australian side has drafted the big-hitting David Warner (pictured right) to their squad.

Left-handed dynamo Warner has been called up to replace the injured Daniel Christian and will be a powerful addition to the team bidding to win its first Hong Kong title.

Warner, 23, made history when he was picked to represent Australia in 2008 in a Twenty20 game against South Africa despite not having played a single game of first-class cricket. He was the first player to do so in 132 years. He made a stunning debut and went on to represent Australia at the Twenty20 World .

“We are delighted he is coming,” said Dinesh Tandon, Hong Kong Cricket Association chairman. “He is one of the biggest hitters in the game and fans will be well entertained.”

Warner is not a stranger to Hong Kong having played in this tournament two years ago when Australia reached the final, only to lose to England in a tied game. England won by virtue of losing fewer wickets.

With Warner back in the team, Australia will be a force to reckon with but fans will also have to watch out for young guns Ryan Carters (20 years), Tom Cooper (23) and Glenn Maxwell (21) to produce the fireworks with all three having played in the recent Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa.

In addition, 20-year-old Tim Armstrong was a member of the victorious Australian Under-19 World Cup squad earlier this year.

The team will be coached once again by former international player John Davison who is also senior coach with Cricket Australia’s Centre of Excellence.

“It’s an enjoyable tournament to be involved with and something a little different for the players which I’m sure they will enjoy,” said Davison, who is also the CA Centre of Excellence spin bowling coach.

“Although we have a pretty young squad we have some players with good experience including some with international experience or exposure so I’m sure that will hold them in good stead.

“The tournament is short and sweet but it’s a challenging format that most players have probably not played before so it should be good fun for them,” Davison added.

Australia are pooled in the preliminary Bradman group with arch-rivals England, South Africa and Hong Kong. The Sobers pool comprises India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

A total prize money of US$150,000 is up for grabs and Australia will be hoping to winits first title. They came close two years ago when they were defeated by England in a thriller where the scores were tied at the end, and England edging through by virtue of losing fewer wickets.

The Australian side for the tournament is:

Tim Armstrong (New South Wales), Ryan Carters (Victoria), David Warner (New South Wales), Tom Cooper (South Australia), Matthew Johnston (Western Australia), Glenn Maxwell (Victoria), Will Sheridan (Victoria).

“Vinnige” Fanie De Villiers’ visit to Hong Kong this weekend will coincide with the 2010-edition of the Karp Group/PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.  South Africa is of course the defending champions after a nail-bite finish against hosts Hong Kong in the Final last year.

The Southern African Association of Hong Kong will be hosting Fanie at a South African Braai (BBQ) at the Sportsman’s Bar at the Hong Kong Cricket Club in 137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, this Saturday.

Fanie played in 256 tests from 1993 to 1998 and 23 ODI’s from 1992 to 1997. Since retiring from Test Cricket, the former fast bowler has become a television commentator and also works as a motivational speaker.

South African cricket legend, Fanie De Villiers will be in Hong Kong this weekend.

The South African Sixes Team (read more about the 2010 team here) has been invited to join the braai after the first day’s play.

HK$250 gets you a great South African meal (Menu below), 2 hours of beer, wine and sodas as well as the company of some of our country’s great sportsmen, retired and up-and-coming.

Bruce Fowler has written tosay that the menu for the evening will consist of:

Braai

Selection of Boerewors on the Braai

Chicken Peri Peri Skewers on the Braai

Prawn and Vegetable Malay Curry

Braai Marinated Rib Eye Steaks

Bobotie (Lamb and Apricot Jam)

Yellow Fried Rice with Raisins

Pan Roasted Sweet Potato

Pita Bread served with Humus

Salad

Green Bean Salad with Olives, Sweet Onions

Tomato Salad with Green Chillies and Red Wine Vinegar

Yellow Melon Muscadel (Melon Salad)

Dessert

Malva Pudding

The evening starts at 7:00pm for 7:30pm and, as this is at the Hong Kong Cricket Club (HKCC) dress is smart casual. However, since many guests may come straight from the Sixes, the Club will make an exception and does not expect you to be smart casual after a day watching the Sixes.

Children are welcomed so please bring your family and friends. Reservations can be made by e-mailing Bruce Fowler (bfowler@pacific.net.hk) and letting him know how many of you will be attending.  Please respond as soon as possible if you wish to attend as the number of seats is limited.

Here are some images from last year’s tournament to get you in the mood:

Pugnacious batsman Scott Styris will return from injury to lead a strong New Zealand squad in search of an elusive Cup victory at the Hong Kong Sixes next month.

Styris will spearhead a team that includes two other Black Caps – Darryl Tuffey and Nathan McCullum – in search of honours at the Karp Group/PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club on November 6-7.

“We have a nice mix of experienced internationals as well as seasoned campaigners in our domestic competition plus a couple of up-and-coming youngsters,” said Styris.

A 29-test and 160 one-day international veteran, Styris has successfully recovered from a partial stress fracture to his lower back which ruled him out of New Zealand’s recent tour to Bangladesh.

Logan van Beek and Harry Boam, two players who featured in the New Zealand Under-19 World Cup squad last year will provide a dash of young talent.

Apart from Tuffey and McCullum, the rest of the squad comprises a pair of experienced domestic players Carl Frauenstein and Kieran Noema-Barnett, with Styris picking the latter as one to watch out for.

“We have a very good side and one which can beat anyone,” Styris said. “But I’m mindful of the fact that the other teams too have some top-quality players while Hong Kong has shown they can also be a threat. It will be tough, but we are coming there to win New Zealand its first Hong Kong Sixes title.”

A more than useful all-rounder – he has 3,743 ODI runs and 125 wickets – the 35-year-old Styris revealed his immediate goals were to play in the World Cup next year as well as get another contract with in the Indian Premier League. He played for the Deccan Charges in his first three-year contract which ended this season.

“But my first aim is to see that New Zealand win the Hong Kong Sixes. This is my first visit. I missed out on the last two occasions due to other commitments, and I’m really llloking forward to it as I heard it is a fun but serious event,” Styris added.

New Zealand is drawn in the preliminary Sobers Group with Indian, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Bradman Group comprises England, Australia, defending champions South Africa and last year’s runners-up Hong Kong.

China will also make a debut appearance at the Hong Kong Sixes when the Asian Games-bound squad takes part in an exhibition match against a Hong Kong development team on the Sunday of the tournament.

 The New Zealand side is:

Scott Styris (c) – Northern Knights

Daryl Tuffey – Auckland Aces

Nathan McCullum – Otago Volts

Carl Frauenstein – Canterbury Wizards

Logan van Beek – Canterbury Wizards

Harry Boam – Wellington Firebirds

Kieran Noema-Barnett – Central Stags

Anil Kumble will lead crowd favourites India in its bid to win the Hong Kong Sixes for only the second time in the history of the tournament.

Kumble returns with the core of the team which played last year – Reetinder Singh Sodhi, Stuart Binny and Sriram Sridharan – together with Rohan Gavaskar, another regular at the Kowloon Cricket Club.

But all eyes at the Karp Group.PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes on November 6-7 will be on one of the two new faces in the Indian squad – dashing batsman Ambati Rayudu.

Rayudu, 25, played alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the Mumbai Indians in this season’s Indian Premier League. A couple of outstanding knocks from Rayudu who opened the batting, went a long way in helping Mumbai Indians reach the IPL final.

“He is a very talented cricketer and one who holds a lot of promise,” said Kumble who captained Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. “He is a hard-hitting batsman and has come to the fore with some good knocks for the Mumbai Indians.”

The other first-timer to the Hong Kong Sixes is Kumble’s Royal Challengers teammate Akhil Balachandra. A useful all-rounder, Balachandra has a Twenty20 strike rate of 150 and his hitting could be what India needs.

“We didn’t do well last year winning only one of our matches. We can’t do worse than last year,” Kumble said. “The aim this time is to go all the way and be in contention on the last day.”

Kumble, and Indian fans will be hoping Reetinder Singh Sodhi will rediscover the cracking form he showed with the bat at the 2005 tournament which India won, defeating the West Indies in the final.

Kumble added: “We are in a tough preliminary round group, but I’m confident we can do well this year.”

Indian Cricket legend Anil Kumble returns to lead India in Hong Kong 2010

India are drawn with rivals Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the Sobers Group at the US$150,000 tournament. The other Bradman Group comprises defending champions South Africa, England, Australia and hosts Hong Kong.

“It is a good competitive side, and if guys like Sodhi and Rayudu get going, India will pose a strong threat to the others,” said Captain Shahzada Saleem Ahmed, president of the Hong Kong Cricket Association.

China, represented by the Asian Games side, will also be making their debut appearance at the Hong Kong Sixes when they take part in an exhibition game against a Hong Kong development team on the Sunday of the tournament.

INDIA: Anil Kumble (captain), Rohan Gavaskar, Reetinder Singh Sodhi, Sriram Sridharan, Stuart Binny, Ambati Rayudu, Akhil Balachandra.