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IRE beat HK by 8 wickets | Hong Kong vs Ireland, Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd T20 Match - Commentary
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier, 2019
Date: Oct 18, 2019 Start Time: 15:40 IST | 10:10 GMT | 14:10 LocalVenue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
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Hong Kong vs Ireland Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd Match - T20 Commentary
Kinchit Shah is down for an interview. He says he has been working really hard with the coaches on his technique and it has helped him. He feels they are a few runs short but they can still defend it. Reckons Rankin bowled the best lengths out of the bowlers, not too short and not very full and that is what he advises his bowlers to bowl.
As for the Irish bowlers, Boyd Rankin stood out as he bowled consistent lines and lengths. Although he did not take any wickets he gave away just 18 runs in his 4 overs. Mark Adair also bowled excellently as he conceded just 22 runs in his 4 overs as well as taking 2 wickets. Stuart Thompson and David Delany were taken to the cleaners by Kinchit Shah but the Ireland team will be happy with their overall bowling performance.
The innings started in a very good manner for the Irish as they picked up two early wickets and sent the Hong Kong openers packing inside the first four overs. However, after that, the star of the innings, Kinchit Shah stepped up as he took the attack to the opposition. He played a blistering knock of 79 runs off 54 balls and almost single-handedly has taken Hong Kong to a competitive total. All the other Hong Kong batters around him struggled and none of them even crossed the 20-run mark. They must be thinking that they are 10-20 runs short off the par score on this ground as scoring runs on this pitch is very easy.
So, Hong Kong have set a target of 154 runs for the Irish to chase down and one must say that Ireland right now are on top.
Mark Adair to Scott McKechnie. A bye to end a brilliant last over. McKechnie tries to be innovative as he looks to bring out the reverse sweep. Misses. The batters steal a bye. HONG KONG END WITH 153/5!
Mark Adair to Scott McKechnie. A couple so still no boundary in the last over. A dipping slower one on middle, it ends up being a low full toss. McKechnie works it through mid-wicket. They take one and go for the second. The throw from the deep is a wild one so the two is made easier.
Mark Adair to Simandeep Singh. Continues bowling the slower balls. This is outside off, Singh slashes, it goes towards the sweeper on the off side for one. Top class over so far by Adair.
Mark Adair to Simandeep Singh. Two! However, it could have been a run out. One more slower one outside off, Singh guides it past short third man. They take one and go for the second. They almost clash in the middle but avoid it and the two is completed.
Scott McKechnie is the new man in.
Mark Adair to Haroon Arshad. OUT! Haroon holes out! Adair gets another. His slower balls have been extremely effective till now. He bowls another one. Arshad swings hard but hits it flat and straight to the man at long off. Kevin O'Brien takes a few steps ahead and hangs on. A run and a wicket to begin the last over.
Mark Adair to Simandeep Singh. A single to begin the last over! A slower one and it is on the shorter side. The batter pulls it towards mid-wicket. They take one, they think of a second but then opt against it.
Mark Adair to bowl the last over.
David Delany to Simandeep Singh. Singh plays the pull shot. The batters pick up a single.
David Delany to Simandeep Singh. FOUR! Short ball on middle and leg, Singh looks to pull and top edges this one. It goes over the keeper's head for a boundary into the fine leg fence.
David Delany to Haroon Arshad. Arshad tries to slog this length ball towards the leg side but it goes off the bottom half towards long on. The batters take one.
David Delany to Simandeep Singh. On the pads of Singh, he flicks it towards square leg for a single.
David Delany to Simandeep Singh. Singh comes down the track and pushes this one towards cover as he takes a couple.
David Delany to Simandeep Singh. Wide! Down the leg side, Singh tries to help it fine towards the leg side but misses. Wide signalled.
David Delany to Haroon Arshad. Full ball on off, Arshad pushes this one towards long off for a single.
David Delany to bowl the penultimate over!
Boyd Rankin to Haroon Arshad. Outside off, pushed towards covers for a single. Good over by Rankin.
Boyd Rankin to Simandeep Singh. Full on middle and leg, pushed towards mid on for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Haroon Arshad. Arshad tries to make room and pull this one over the leg side fence but he gets a top edge on that one. The ball goes uppishly towards fine leg but falls in no man's land. Gary Wilson runs after it and gathers it as the batters take one.
Boyd Rankin to Haroon Arshad. Wide! Down the leg side, Haroon goes after it but misses. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Boyd Rankin to Haroon Arshad. Good bowling by Boyd! Slower short delivery on middle and leg, Arshad is deceived by the mix up in pace and he misses his pull shot as he sways away at the last moment.
Boyd Rankin to Simandeep Singh. Length ball outside off, Singh pulls this one towards square leg for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Simandeep Singh. Length ball outside off, Singh looks to pull but misses.
Boyd Rankin is back into the attack.
Mark Adair to Haroon Arshad. A huge mistake by Wilson! That was an easy opportunity of a run out. A lucky escape for Haroon. A slower one on middle, Haroon works it with soft hands through mid-wicket. They take one and go for the second which is a risky run. The fielder gets to the ball quickly and fires it flat to the keeper who collects it, he was standing a little too ahead of the stumps. He looks to whip the bails off but misses completely. Still a very good over for Ireland. 6 runs and a important wicket.
Mark Adair to Haroon Arshad. Good running! A short one, it is another off pace ball. Haroon is done in by the pace but adjusts well and pulls it gently through mid-wicket. Some good running sees the batters take two.
Mark Adair to Haroon Arshad. One more slower one, it sticks in the wicket a little. Haroon check-drives it to covers.
Mark Adair to Haroon Arshad. A couple! One more slower one and it is picked early. Haroon lofts it over covers and takes two. The fielder in the deep makes a good stop sliding to his right.
Simandeep Singh, the debutant, is the next man in.
Mark Adair to Kinchit Shah. OUT! In the air... and a very good catch by Balbirnie. A superb catch to end a very, very good knock. A key wicket as Shah was set and was really finding the gaps. Timely wicket one can say. Another slower ball by Adair. Shah comes down the track and looks to go big over long on. Does not get the timing right. Andy there runs to his right and takes a good sliding catch.
Mark Adair to Kinchit Shah. Excellent delivery to begin! A lovely slower one outside off, Shah is completely deceived. He looks to go over the off side but is early into the stroke. A dot.
Mark Adair is back into the attack!
George Dockrell to Haroon Arshad. Two taken again! A good over for Hong Kong. Slightly shorter. Arshad looks to pull it hard but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for two. 11 from the over.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. Just a single this time as this is hit down to long off.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. Another two! This is a full toss. Shah is guilty of going too hard at it. He does not time it that well but gets it away from the deep mid-wicket fielder two taken.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. A couple now! Fires it full again outside off, Shah powers it to the left of long off this time. The fielder gets there and keeps it to two.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. FOUR! Powerful shot! Once again full but closer to the off pole this time, it is a half volley. Shah hits it hard towards long on who runs to his right but has no chance to get to that.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. A dot to begin! Full and wide outside off, the batter lets it be thinking it is going to be a wide but not given.
George Dockrell is back!
Stuart Thompson to Kinchit Shah. Another one on the pads, Shah flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Stuart Thompson to Kinchit Shah. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. Two runs added to the total.
Stuart Thompson to Kinchit Shah. FOUR! Making full use of the free hit! Bowled down the leg side, Kinchit gets down on one knee and tries to paddle this one. He gets just the top half of his bat on it and the ball rolls towards the fine leg fence.
Stuart Thompson to Kinchit Shah. No ball! Above waist height full toss on the off side, Kinchit pulls this one straight down the ground. The ball goes on the bounce to the man at long on and the batters take two.
Stuart Thompson to Haroon Arshad. Arshad works this one towards the leg side for a single.
Stuart Thompson to Haroon Arshad. FOUR! Good shot by Haroon! Short of a length on middle and leg, Arshad pulls this one towards square leg for a boundary.
Stuart Thompson to Kinchit Shah. Kinchit Shah has played this one uppishly towards the cover region for a single.
Stuart Thompson is back into the attack.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. Kinchit Shah has picked it early and slogged it through the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
George Dockrell to Haroon Arshad. Arshad gets a top edge on that one as he tries to tuck it towards the leg side. The ball goes uppishly towards mid on and the batters take one.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. Full ball on off, Kinchit pushes this one towards mid off for a single.
George Dockrell to Haroon Arshad. On the pads of Arshad, he flicks this one towards the leg side for a single.
George Dockrell to Haroon Arshad. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. Kinchit Shah gets down on one knee and sweeps this one towards square leg for a single.
David Delany to Haroon Arshad. The batsman has punched that ball through the offside.
David Delany to Haroon Arshad. Wide! Down the leg side by Delaney, wide signalled.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Good length ball on the off side, Shah pushes this one towards cover for a single.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Fullish on off, Kinchit pushes this one towards the cover region.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. On the pads of Shah, he flicks it towards mid-wicket for a couple.
David Delany to Haroon Arshad. The batsman opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. They pick up a single.
Haroon Arshad is the new man in.
David Delany to Waqas Barkat. OUT! CAUGHT! Barkat is the latest man to depart but he has helped Hong Kong to a good platform. Delaney bowls this one fuller on off, Barkat looks to hit it over the bowler's head but gets the bottom half of the bat on that one. The ball goes straight to Paul Stirling at mid off who takes an easy catch. Hong Kong are 87/3 but Barkat departs for a measly 9 runs.
David Delany is back into the attack.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. Driven through the covers by the batsman. No runs taken.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. Kinchit pushes this one straight back towards the bowler. The ball goes past him towards mid off and the batters have taken a couple.
George Dockrell to Waqas Barkat. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
George Dockrell to Waqas Barkat. Barkat this time shuffles to the leg side but then goes towards the leg side for a paddle scoop. He though misses the shot and Gary Wilson fails to collect the ball. The ball rolls towards fine leg for two byes.
George Dockrell to Kinchit Shah. Kinchit pushes this one towards mid off for a single.
George Dockrell to Waqas Barkat. Barkat works this one towards square leg and takes a single.
George Dockrell is into the attack.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. They have run through for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. On the pads of Shah again, he flicks it towards the leg side for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. Half ton for Kinchit Shah and what a time to get your first one! On the pads of Shah, he flicks it towards square leg for a couple to get to his half ton.
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. Bowls a short delivery, Kinchit looks to pull but gets hit on the arm.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. Short delivery on middle, Barkat pulls it towards mid on for a run.
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. On a length on middle, Shah flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Gareth Delany to Waqas Barkat. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. SIX! Maximum! Short of a length ball on off, Shah slog sweeps this one again as the ball flies towards the mid-wicket fence.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. Shah looks to sweep this one but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. FOUR! This time Kinchit Shah connects well and he slog sweeps this one towards mid-wicket for a boundary.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. Almost sneaks through! Floated just outside off, it spins back in a touch. Shah looks to slog sweep but misses and the ball misses the off pole by a whisker. Close call!
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. Kinchit plays this one towards mid-wicket and takes a single to retain the strike.
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. Bouncer down the leg side, Shah looks to hook this one but gets a top edge on that one. The ball goes uppishly towards fine leg as the batters take two.
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. Back of a length ball outside off, Shah looks to defend but the ball misses the outside edge.
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. Wide! Way wide down the leg side, Shah still tries to go after it but does not connect.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. On the pads of Barkat, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. Barkat is beaten as he misses the line of the delivery.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
Boyd Rankin is back into the attack.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. Shortish outside off, Kinchit looks to cut but misses.
Gareth Delany to Waqas Barkat. Good fielding! Barkat pushes this off the back foot towards cover-point, the fielder there inside the circle does well as he dives to his right and saves at least a run for his side. Single taken.
Gareth Delany to Waqas Barkat. Wide! Good take by Wilson! Delany bowls this one down the leg side, Barkat goes after it but misses. Wilson takes it nicely down the leg side. Wide signalled.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. Kinchit Shah pushes this one towards the cover region and takes a single.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. Floated on off, Kinchit sweeps this one towards backward square leg and takes a couple.
Gareth Delany to Waqas Barkat. On the pads, Barkat works it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. Shortish ball on middle and leg, Shah pulls this one towards square leg and takes a single.
Gareth Delany is back into the attack.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Fullish ball on middle and off, Kinchit lofts this one and just about manages to get this one over the mid off fielder as they take a couple. 50 up for Hong Kong with this shot.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Wide! Down the leg side, Kinchit looks to flick this one but misses.
David Delany to Waqas Barkat. On the pads, Barkat flicks this one towards square leg and takes a single.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Good and bad fielding at the same time! Weird stuff this! Kinchit Shah pushes this one towards the cover region, Thompson there dives and saves at least a couple of runs for his side. He then has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. There is no one to back up the throw and the ball goes towards deep mid-wicket. The batters take a single.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Bowls a yorker delivery on leg, Shah looks to flick but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals and the umpire shakes his head. Probably it was pitching outside leg.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. FOUR! Excellent shot. Full and outside off, Kinchit drives it through covers for a boundary.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Boyd Rankin to Kinchit Shah. Length ball on the body, Shah tries to defend this one off the back foot. The ball gets an inside edge on this one and the batters take a quick single.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. Length ball outside off, Barkat pushes this one towards point and sets off for a run. Kinchit obliges but it is a very risky run. The fielder there has a shy at the striker's end but he misses. Had he hit, Kinchit was gone for all money.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. Barkat looks to defend this one but does so outside the line as the ball moves in, sneaks between the bat and his body and goes to the keeper. Wonderful bowling this!
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Boyd Rankin to Waqas Barkat. Good length ball outside off, Barkat looks to play at it but is beaten. Gary Wilson gathers the ball and puts in a mild appeal but the umpire is not interested.
Boyd Rankin is into the attack now.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. SIX! First maximum of the innings! On the pads again, Kinchit just flicks it powerfully in front of square leg for a maximum. Kinchit counter-attacking the Irish here.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. FOUR! On the pads, Kinchit flicks it nonchalantly in the gap at mid-wicket for a boundary. Great batting.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Length ball on middle and off, Shah looks to defend and gets a bottom edge on that one.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Length ball on middle and off, pushed towards cover-point.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. On the pads of Kinchit Shah, he flicks it towards fine leg and takes a couple.
David Delany to Kinchit Shah. Good length ball on off, pushed towards the cover region.
David Delany is the new man into the attack.
Stuart Thompson to Waqas Barkat. Length ball outside off, played towards point.
Waqas Barkat is the new man in.
Stuart Thompson to Aizaz Khan. OUT! CAUGHT! Aizaz Khan walks back now and both the openers for Hong Kong are in the dugout. Length ball outside off, Aizaz Khan looks to cut it but gets an outside edge on it. The ball carries to skipper Gary Wilson behind the wickets and he takes an easy catch. Ireland stamping their authority over Hong Kong here.
Stuart Thompson to Aizaz Khan. Yorker outside off, Aizaz looks to have a stroke at it but is beaten.
Stuart Thompson to Aizaz Khan. Another shortish delivery, Aizaz pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a couple.
Stuart Thompson to Aizaz Khan. FOUR! Back of a length ball down the leg side, Aizaz pulls this one towards backward square leg and gets another boundary. Ireland getting some confidence here.
Stuart Thompson to Aizaz Khan. FOUR! Good shot by Aizaz! Full ball wide outside off, Khan lofts this one over cover and the ball races to the fence.
Stuart Thompson to Aizaz Khan. Wide! Down the leg side, Aizaz looks to pull this one towards fine leg but misses. Wide signalled.
Stuart Thompson is into the attack now.
Mark Adair to Aizaz Khan. Length delivery on off, Aizaz dabs it towards third man for a run.
Mark Adair to Aizaz Khan. Full delivery on middle, Aizaz comes down the track and plays it to mid-wicket.
Mark Adair to Kinchit Shah. On a length on middle, Shah flicks it towards square leg for a run.
Mark Adair to Kinchit Shah. Good length delivery on off, Shah defends it out.
Mark Adair to Kinchit Shah. FOUR! First boundary of the match. Nice shot. Full delivery on leg, Shah flicks it through square leg for a boundary.
Mark Adair to Aizaz Khan. On a good length on off, Aizaz guides it towards third man for a single.
Gareth Delany to Aizaz Khan. On the pads of Aizaz, he flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single. Good start for Ireland here.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. On the pads of Kinchit, he flicks this one towards the leg side and takes a single.
Gareth Delany to Kinchit Shah. On the pads of Shah, he sweeps it towards fine leg and takes a couple.
Kinchit Shah is the new batsman in.
Gareth Delany to Nizakat Khan. OUT! CAUGHT! The star batsman for Hong Kong is out of here and that too off a very disappointing shot. Delany floats this one outside off, Nizakat tries to play this one wide of mid off but plays it straight to the man there. Boyd Rankin takes a dolly and Nizakat Khan will be a very disappointed man as he has literally thrown his wicket away here. The captain had high expectations off him but he has not delivered. Hong Kong get an early blow in their innings.
Gareth Delany to Nizakat Khan. Good length ball on middle and off, Nizakat defends this one.
Gareth Delany to Aizaz Khan. Aizaz has punched the ball off the back foot. One run added to the total.
Mark Adair to Aizaz Khan. Good length ball on the pads, Khan pushes this one down the ground and takes a single. 4 runs off the first over.
Mark Adair to Aizaz Khan. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Mark Adair to Aizaz Khan. Adair bowls again on the pads, Aizaz misses his flick to get hit on the thigh pad.
Mark Adair to Nizakat Khan. Near the hips of Nizakat this time, Nizakat tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
Mark Adair to Aizaz Khan. On the pads again, Aizaz Khan flicks this one towards mid-wicket and takes a single. Aizaz is off the mark.
We are all set to begin. The Ireland players are out in the middle. Aizaz Khan and Nizakat Khan will open the batting for Hong Kong. Mark Adair will start the proceedings for Ireland.
Hong Kong Playing XI - Aizaz Khan (C), Nizakat Khan, Kinchit Shah, Waqas Barkat, Simandeep Singh, Scott McKechnie (WK), Haroon Arshad, Shahid Wasif, Ehsan Khan, Kyle Christie, Nasrulla Rana.
Mark Adair to Nizakat Khan. First ball of the match, it is down the leg side, Nizakat Khan looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads, the ball rolls towards square leg and the batters take a leg bye.
Ireland Playing XI - Gary Wilson (C/WK), Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie, Mark Adair, David Delaney, Gareth Delaney, Boyd Rankin, George Dockrell, Kevin O'Brien, Harry Tector, Stuart Thompson.
Pitch Report - The temperature is very high, around 37 degrees. It is a massive ground. There are a lot of gaps, hitting will be a problem as the ground is massive. A beautiful looking batting wicket. Absolutely rock hard surface. Looks a high scoring pitch.
Ireland skipper, Gary Wilson says that they would have wanted to bat first as well. On their form, he says it has been up and down a bit. They won the home tri-series and in Oman they lost one match out of four but still doesn't consider it their best. He says that one loss here and there can happen and does not want that to bother his team.
Hong Kong skipper, Aizaz Khan says that the wicket looks good and that's why they have decided to bat first. They have not played much international T20 cricket in recent months but their domestic cricket will hold them in good stead.
Toss - Aizaz Khan has the coin... heads is the call from Gary Wilson and tails it is. Hong Kong win the toss and they have elected to bat first.
Welcome to the coverage of World T20 qualifier between Hong Kong and Ireland. Ireland are consided to be favourites for this clash but don't be shocked if Hong Kong give them a tough competition.
So that is it from this game! However, we still have one more game coming up which should be an absolute cracker. It is Oman taking on United Arab Emirates. That game begins at 1930 local (1530 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!
Gary Wilson, the Ireland skipper feels they did not play their best cricket. Further adds he felt 160 was a par score on this wicket but the chase was a clinical one. States Andy Balbirnie has been doing it for a long time now and he played another excellent knock here. Reckons he is not the ideal T20 player but is a clever batter. Also says Rankin too was brilliant with the ball. Ends by saying they are looking forward to their next game and they want to take it one game at a time and want to give their best.
Aizaz Khan, the Hong Kong skipper, says he feels they were around 15-20 runs short and they lost their way towards the end with the bat. States Kinchit was really good and he has been in the runs lately. Admits they were not able to execute their plans with the ball and they can do a lot better. Mentions they need to assess their plans and come back stronger in the next game. Ends by saying that there is still a long way to go and they need to work harder.
Paul Stirling is down for an interview. Says it is a nice feeling to get the first win and points on the board. States it is important to get off to a good start and says that it helped him. Also informs that it is a very good track to bat on. On being asked about the run out, he says that normally Kevin O'Brien gets in on those kinds of situations he will be much more careful about it.
Earlier in the day, Kinchit Shah was the only batsman for Hong Kong to show some fight as he received no support from the others. The Irish bowlers were up to the mark today, especially Rankin and Adair, who were the pick of the bowlers.
The Hong Kong bowling wasn't that great, to say the least! Yes, the total they were defending was under par but their bowling too was ordinary. They were guilty of bowling too short and wide and with that kind of bowling, something around 150 is impossible to defend.
Ireland have chased this with absolute ease! Right from the start of the second innings, the Hong Kong players knew they were at least 20 runs short but looking at this dominating win, those extra 20 runs wouldn't have mattered. The Irish did not get off to the best of starts as they lost Kevin O'Brien in the first over itself. Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling then took Ireland to the brink of victory with an 86-run stand. The opener scored a quickfire half ton to completely corner Hong Kong. Post the fall of his wicket, Balbirnie got good support from Harry Tector and together they took the Irish team over the line with another 50-plus stand.
Waqas Barkat to Andy Balbirnie. FOUR! AND THAT WILL BE THE WIN FOR IRELAND! Floated delivery outside off, Balbirnie lofts this over the cover region, beats the fielder at long off to his left and the ball goes into the fence. IRELAND WIN BY 8 WICKETS (16 balls remaining)!
Waqas Barkat to Harry Tector. Floated on off, swept away towards square leg for one.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. EDGED AND FOUR! Length ball outside off by Christie, Balbirnie looks to push at it but the ball goes fine off the outside edge and it races towards the third man fence.
Kyle Christie to Harry Tector. On the pads of Tector, he flicks this one towards the leg side for one. 50-run stand comes up! Almost there, Ireland.
Kyle Christie to Harry Tector. A low full toss on middle, it's hit right back to the bowler who makes a half-stop in his followthrough.
Kyle Christie to Harry Tector. DROPPED AND FOUR! That has literally gone through the hands of Haroon Arshad! Christie bowls this one short of a length outside off, Tector tries to slog it into the crowd over long on but does not get the desired timing on it. The ball goes to Arshad at long on but it goes straight through his hands and one bounce into the fence behind him.
Kyle Christie to Harry Tector. Tector pulls this one off the inner half of his bat towards mid-wicket for a couple.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. Length ball outside off, cut towards deep point for a single.
Aizaz Khan to Harry Tector. Length ball on middle and off, Tector looks to push at it but the ball goes off the leading edge towards the third man region for a couple. Ireland need 16 off 24 balls.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Length ball outside off, guided towards the third man region for a single.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Outside off, pushed towards point.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. This time Balbirnie flicks it wide of the diving mid-wicket fielder for a couple.
Aizaz Khan to Harry Tector. On the pads, Tector flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Balbirnie pushes this one off the back foot towards long on for one.
Kyle Christie to Harry Tector. FOUR! Bad ball, short and wide outside off and Tector punishes Christie as he cuts this powerfully through point for a boundary.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. On the pads of Balbirnie, he flicks it towards the leg side for one.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. On the pads of Balbirnie, he plays it uppishly wide of the mid-wicket fielder for a couple.
Kyle Christie to Harry Tector. On middle and off, Tector tries to defend it but the ball goes off the inside edge towards square leg for one.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. Another one on the pads, pushed towards long on for one.
Kyle Christie to Harry Tector. Full ball on the pads, pushed towards long on for one.
Kyle Christie is back into the attack now.
Kinchit Shah to Andy Balbirnie. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Kinchit Shah to Andy Balbirnie. Shortish ball outside off, Andy cuts it towards deep point for a couple.
Kinchit Shah to Andy Balbirnie. FOUR! 50 for Andy Balbirnie! He has not taken a single risk in this innings and this has been a beautifully compiled innings. Full ball on off, Balbirnie gets down on one knee and sweeps this one in front of square leg for a boundary.
Kinchit Shah to Harry Tector. Shortish ball on middle and leg, Tector tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Kinchit Shah to Andy Balbirnie. Balbirnie rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball towards mid on for one.
Kinchit Shah to Andy Balbirnie. FOUR! Bad ball to start off the over by Kinchit! Short ball outside off, Balbirnie rocks back and cuts it through the backward point region for a boundary.
Kinchit Shah is back on!
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Length ball outside off, AB plays this one towards the point region for a single.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
Aizaz Khan to Harry Tector. Aizaz bowls a length ball on middle and leg but Tector fails to connect properly on his slog over mid on. The fielder there takes the catch but it is a free hit so no harm done and the batters take one instead.
Aizaz Khan to Harry Tector. No ball! Overstepping by Aizaz! Length ball on middle and off, Tector defends this one off the back foot towards mid off. The next delivery will be a free hit.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. AB guides this one towards third man for a single.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. FOUR! Pure class from Balbirnie! Aizaz bowls this one full and outside off, he drives this one uppishly through the gap in the cover region for a boundary.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Good length ball on off, pushed towards the man at cover.
Ehsan Khan to Harry Tector. On the pads, the batter flicks it straight to the man at fine leg. 5 runs off the over.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Tossed up on off, pushed towards mid on for one.
Ehsan Khan to Harry Tector. Full toss on the pads, Tector clips this one in front of square leg for a single.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single.
Ehsan Khan to Harry Tector. Flatter one on off, pushed towards deep mid-wicket for a single. Tector is off the mark with this single.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Darted on the pads, pushed towards square leg for a single.
Harry Tector is the new man in.
Aizaz Khan to Paul Stirling. OUT! Straight to the man! End of Stirling's entertaining knock. He though has done his job. He makes room and smashes this length ball uppishly towards mid off where Singh takes it nicely. A standing ovation as Paul walks back. Ireland need another 58 in 54.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Balbirnie slashes again, this time it goes off the outside edge to the right of the third man fielder for one.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Good stop! Shorter and outside off, Balbirnie cuts it past point. The fielder from third man runs to his right, dives and saves two for his side.
Aizaz Khan to Paul Stirling. Good length and on off, this is hit hard towards mid off for one.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. One more single as another ball is pushed down to long on.
Aizaz Khan to Paul Stirling. This is on middle, Stirling shows a straight bat and pushes it to long on for one.
Aizaz Khan is back!
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. Stirling opens the face of the bat and guides it towards third man for one. Ireland need 64 runs in 60 balls.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. This time Balbirnie flicks this one through mid-wicket for a single.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. On the pads, Stirling pushes this one past the diving mid-wicket fielder for a single.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. Darts this one just outside off, Stirling pushes it back to the bowler.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. On the hips of AB, he pushes this one towards mid on for one.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Shortish on off, Balbirnie cuts it towards point for a couple.
Waqas Barkat to Paul Stirling. FOUR! This time Stirling creams it all along the ground through the cover region for a boundary.
Waqas Barkat to Andy Balbirnie. Balbirnie lofts this one riskily over the cover region for a single.
Waqas Barkat to Andy Balbirnie. Floated outside off, pushed towards the cover region.
Waqas Barkat to Paul Stirling. Floated on the pads, pushed towards long on for a single.
Waqas Barkat to Andy Balbirnie. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total.
Waqas Barkat to Andy Balbirnie. FOUR! Bad start by Barkat! Short and wide outside off, Balbirnie cuts it through backward point for a boundary.
Waqas Barkat comes into the attack now.
Nasrulla Rana to Paul Stirling. A single to end! This is fuller and on off, it is once again driven through covers this time for two.
Nasrulla Rana to Andy Balbirnie. Full and on off, this is stroked through covers for one.
Nasrulla Rana to Andy Balbirnie. Shorter in length and outside off, AB looks to cut but misses.
Nasrulla Rana to Paul Stirling. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Nasrulla Rana to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Bowl short and he will make you pay, bowl full and he would still hit you to the boundary. This is a half volley on off, Stirling stands tall and strokes it past mid off and into the fence. Fifty for Stirling, it has been an excellent innings from him so far. He would want to continue though.
Nasrulla Rana to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Stirling slashes and slashes hard and gets the desired result. Short and wide outside off, Stirling goes after it. He hits it behind point and a boundary results.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. Full and floated on leg, pushed towards mid on. The batters take one. 13 runs off the over and the Irish are cruising along.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. SIX! POWER! Full and floated on off, Stirling slog sweeps this one down the ground and the ball goes over the long on fielder and into the crowd.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Floated on off, pushed towards mid off for another single.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. Full and on the pads, pushed towards mid on for a single.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. On the pads of Paul Stirling, he flicks it towards mid-wicket for a couple.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. Wide! Down the leg side, Stirling looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Fires this one on the leg pole, Balbirnie pushes this one towards long on for one.
Nasrulla Rana to Andy Balbirnie. Another good piece of fielding! Very full and on off, Balbirnie strokes it towards cover where Kinchit dives to his left and stops a certain boundary. 7 from the over and an excellent Powerplay for Ireland. They are 48 for 1 after it. Another 106 needed in 84.
Nasrulla Rana to Paul Stirling. One more ball just outside off, Stirling guides it down to third man for one.
Nasrulla Rana to Paul Stirling. Good fielding again! This is very full around off, Stirling jams it out towards cover. The fielder there moves to his left, dives and stops it.
Nasrulla Rana to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Stand and deliver stuff! Shorter and outside off, Stirling stays leg side of the delivery, gets on top of the bounce and hammers it through covers.
Nasrulla Rana to Andy Balbirnie. This is angled into the batter, Balbirnie looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one.
Nasrulla Rana to Andy Balbirnie. Looks to bowl a yorker to begin with but ends up bowling a low full toss. AB hits it to mid on.
Nasrulla Rana is on now!
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. One to end as this is pushed down to long on.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. Excellent fielding! Saves three for his side. Stirling makes room and the bowler fires it on the stumps. PS cuts it towards the left of the point fielder. He dives and with one hand makes a half stop. A single taken only.
Ehsan Khan to Paul Stirling. Fires it on middle, Stirling keeps it out.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Loopy ball on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. FOUR! Too short and too wide, the bowler pays the price. Raining boundaries here. Short and outside off, Balbirnie goes back and slaps it through covers for a boundary.
Ehsan Khan to Andy Balbirnie. A huge, huge shout but nothing! This is fired down the leg side, Balbirnie looks to flick but it goes off something. The keeper takes it and appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Might be off the pad.
Ehsan Khan is into the attack now.
Kyle Christie to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Full ball just outside off, Stirling pushes this one off the front foot through extra cover for a boundary.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. Fuller one on the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. Full delivery on middle and leg, pushed towards mid on.
Kyle Christie to Paul Stirling. On the pads of Stirling, tucks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Kyle Christie to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Fantastic stroke! Length ball outside off, Stirling cuts it with panache through the point region for a boundary.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. Full ball on the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
Aizaz Khan to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Second boundary in the over! A good one for Ireland. Another good shot this time by Stirling. Slightly shorter and it is a slower one. Paul waits for it and then cuts it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.
Aizaz Khan to Paul Stirling. This is fuller and around off, the batter opens the face of the bat and guides it towards point.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Shorter and around off, this is hit down to third man for one.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. FOUR! Creamed! Beautiful! A little too full outside off, a half volley actually. Balbirnie leans into it and caresses it through covers. No stopping those. That should release the pressure that was building.
Aizaz Khan to Andy Balbirnie. Good length and on off, this is defended.
Aizaz Khan to Paul Stirling. That could have been pretty close! This is on middle, Stirling pushes it back towards the bowler who gets down and gets a hand to it. The ball goes close past the stumps at the non-striker's end and towards mid off for one.
Aizaz Khan replaces Kinchit Shah after he bowled just one over.
Kyle Christie to Paul Stirling. A good nut to end a top over! Length delivery around off, this one pitches and jags back in. Stirling looks to push it on the up but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and a run is taken.
Kyle Christie to Paul Stirling. One more full ball, Stirling works it to mid-wicket.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. Extremely full again, this is worked through square leg for one.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. Drags his length back a little, AB defends it off the back foot.
Kyle Christie to Andy Balbirnie. Very full again on middle, Balbirnie works it again towards mid on.
Kyle Christie to Paul Stirling. A good delivery to being! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards mid on for one.
Andy Balbirnie is the new man in for Ireland. Kyle Christie to bowl from the other end.
Kinchit Shah to Paul Stirling. OUT! Direct hit and Kevin O'Brien is a goner! He gets a diamond duck! The over which began horribly for Hong Kong has ended brilliantly. A big wicket as Kevin can score very quick runs. This is outside off. Paul Stirling looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half towards backward square leg. The batters go for a run. Rana picks the ball up, a direct hit is needed and he hits the stumps at the striker's end. O'Brien continues running back towards the pavilion as he is well short. End of an action-packed first over, 10 runs and a wicket from it.
Kinchit Shah to Paul Stirling. One more short ball on off, Stirling pushes it to mid off again.
Kinchit Shah to Paul Stirling. Flatter and on off, Stirling pushes it to mid off.
Kinchit Shah to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Sloppy, sloppy effort in the field! 10 runs from the first three balls. This is shorter again on middle, this is hit down to long on. The fielder there lets it through and a boundary results.
Kinchit Shah to Paul Stirling. Stirling misses out there! This is a nothing delivery. Short and on middle, it is asking to be hit. Stirling goes too hard at it and hence, mistimes it towards mid on.
Kinchit Shah to Paul Stirling. SIX! That is some way of getting of the mark! Wow! This is full and on middle, Stirling needs no sighters. He clears his front leg and tonks it over the bowler's head and over the long on fence.
We are back for the chase! Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien are Ireland's openers. The former will be on strike and he will be facing Kinchit Shah. Here we go...