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Bready: The second and final Twenty20 International between Ireland and Hong Kong was abandoned without a ball bowled at Bready Cricket Club in Magheramason on Tuesday, giving Hong Kong the series 1-0 after its 40-run win in the first T20I on Monday.
In the first match, Hong Kong rode on Nizakat Khan’s brisk half-century and good hands from Babar Hayat (49) and Ehsan Khan (29 not out) to post 169 for 5 in 20 overs.
Ireland’s reply suffered due to lack of substantial partnerships as Hong Kong bowled the home side out for 129 in 19.3 overs.
Opting to bat, Hong Kong got off to a swift start with Nizakat and Aizaz Khan, the openers, putting on 41 in just 4.4 overs.
Craig Young, the right-arm pacer, dismissed Aizaz for 5, but Hayat and and Nizakat added 56 for the second wicket to steady the innings.
Hong Kong was jolted by a couple of wickets, but Hayat stood firm, racing to a 31-ball 49 with two fours and as many sixes.
Ehsan’s unbeaten cameo then took Hong Kong past the 150-run mark. Young was expensive, going for 56 runs in four overs while scalping just one wicket.
Ireland’s chase got off to a disastrous start as it lost its top four batsmen inside the Power Play with just 24 runs on the board.
A 59-run fifth-wicket stand between Kevin O’Brien and Greg Thompson steered Ireland back on track.
