Tanwir Afzal's all round qualities see off Uganda

On another scorching day in Abu Dhabi Hong Kong saw off a spirited Uganda by 4 wickets thanks to an all round performance by Man of the Match, Tanwir Afzal.

After losing the toss and being asked to bowl, Hong Kong's new ball attack of Tanwir Afzal and Haseeb Amjad continued their fine form in the tournament by reducing Uganda to 6 for 3 in the 3rd over. Throughout the tournament their control with the new ball has allowed Hong Kong to impose themselves on their opponents in the powerplay and today was no different as Afzal took the first three wickets. Uganda's woes continued as a quick reaction from Nadeem Ahmed at backward point saw Almuzahim run out after he was sent back in a mix up with his partner leaving Uganda on 21 for 4 in the 7th over.

Uganda's wicketkeeper Selowa then look to take the game to Hong Kong as he attacked by his fight back was short lived as he gave a return catch to Nadeem Ahmed as he was beaten in the flight for a lively 21. With Uganda now 41 for 5, the tall Okia came to the wicket to join Ugandan captain Arinaitwe and the pair put on 33 before Arinaitwe was run out by some calm work by Mark Chapman as the took on an ill judged second run. Okia continued to fight despite Munir Dar coaxing two Ugandans to hole out in the deep. Waisa joined Okia and the pair tried to strike some well needed late boundaries before Uganda were eventually all out off the last ball of the innings for 105.

In reply despite the low target Hong Kong couldn't be complacent as the Abu Dhabi Nursery one ground has not been an oasis of runs so far in the tournament so there still a lot of work to be done if Hong Kong were to secure their second win of the tournament.

Openers Irfan Ahmed and vice captain Waqas Barkat gave Hong Kong the early momentum they were looking for as the pair took on the Ugandan opening attack with punishing left arm seamer, Sebanja as he hit him for a straight drive four off a no ball that almost took out umpire Steve Davis and then hit him for a towering six over long on off the resulting Free Hit. Barkat who found the boundary twice himself was first to fall caught at mid off running back as he looked to hit over the in-field leaving Hong Kong on 37 for 1 in the 5th over. Ahmed then fell bowled, as he look to work the off spinner square on the legside. Atkinson and Chapman then worked the score through to 56 for 2 in the 11th over before a wobble occurred as three wickets fell in the 11th over from Off spinner Mukasa, the first of captain Atkinson as he looked to sweep the off spinner coming around the wicket and was adjudged lbw, Chapman was then caught behind as he looked to cut one and Babar Hayat was somewhat unfortunate to be caught down the legside by a great catch from keeper Selowa first ball.

Nizakat Khan who has been in good form recently was at the non strikers end while all this was happening and he looked determined not to fall similarly as he worked the ball around, after Munir Dar fell stumped of the same off spinner he was joined at the wicket by Tawvir Afzal for what seemed like a critical partnership for Hong Kong, the pair batted with composure and used their feet well while running hard and putting the Ugandan under pressure, which took it's toll as the pressure and tension mounted when Afzal was dropped for what was a very tough chance on the run at long off. Khan continued to look straight down the ground, hitting the sweepers before opening up the off side to pierce the in-field for a vital boundary. Not te be outdone Afzal put Hong Kong's earlier tormentor Mukasa to the sword as he used his feet to hit him for two big sixes over long on from the last two balls of the 17th over. A further four down the ground from Afzal in the 18th over pretty much settled the match and it was Afzal who was left to hit the winning four in the next over to put Hong Kong two wins from two.

Match Summary : Uganda 105 from 20 overs (Phillimon Mukobe 21, Richard Okia 31; Tanwir Afzal 3-12) lost to Hong Kong 107-6 from 18.1 overs (Irfan Ahmed 27, Tanwir Afzal 27*; Roger Mukasa 4-23) by 4 wkts [Full Scorecard]

Sunday is a rest day for Hong Kong who resume their matches on Monday against Canada, again at the Abu Dhabi Nursery one ground.