Kary Chan first woman to take multiple T20I hat-tricks as Hong Kong crush Japan in series opener
- Captain Chan prizes out Japan’s last three batters off consecutive balls as hosts power to victory with more than nine overs left
- ‘It’s about bowling partnerships. The bowlers did well and our fielders put pressure on the batters,’ she says at Hong Kong Cricket Club
Hong Kong captain Kary Chan prized out Japan’s last three batters off consecutive balls to become the first player to take two hat-tricks in Women’s T20 International history on Wednesday.
She first achieved the rare feat against China at the 2019 East Asia Cup in Incheon. However, in a spell of 5-10, her most important wicket was that off her opposite number Mai Yanagida, who was caught behind for 32.
Chan’s spell helped bowl Japan out for 78 before Mariko Hill’s belligerent 40 off 32 powered the home side to victory with more than nine overs to spare at Hong Kong Cricket Club.
“Thank you to the team,” Chan said after winning the Player of the Match award. “It’s about bowling partnerships. The bowlers did well and our fielders put pressure on the batters.
“Our ground fielding improved a lot,” said head coach Andy Cottam, who also heaped praise on his bowlers for maintaining pressure on Japan throughout the first innings.
After Hong Kong won the toss and elected to bowl first, Iqra Sahar took three wickets inside the power play, including Akari Nishimura and Ahilya Chandel who were both trapped plumb in front.
