Fearless approach will help us qualify for World Twenty20, says new Hong Kong captain Tanwir Afzal
New captain Tanwir Afzal promised to play “fearless” cricket as Hong Kong attempt to win through to the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in India next year.
New captain Tanwir Afzal promised to play “fearless” cricket as Hong Kong attempt to win through to the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in India next year.
Afzal, who represented Pakistan Under-19s before arriving in Hong Kong in 2008, will have Mark Chapman as his deputy for the 14-team qualifying tournament for associate members in Scotland and Ireland from July 9-26. Afzal said he was confident of winning one of the six places up for grabs.
“We will play a brand of fearless cricket, trying to be positive whatever the situation is, and I will try to lead from the front. It is a great honour for me to lead the side,” said Afzal, who was confirmed as captain by selectors yesterday. “If we take this approach we should qualify as we have a strong and well-balanced side.”
Fast bowler Afzal, 27, takes over the role from wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Atkinson, who stood down this month at the tail end of the ICC Intercontinental Cup tour to Namibia, citing poor batting form.
We will play a brand of fearless cricket, trying to be positive whatever the situation is, and I will try to lead from the front
Chapman and fellow left-handed batsmen Anshuman Rath and Kinchit Shah are three changes to the squad which went to Namibia and will boost the batting department
