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Uganda sink Hong Kong in last-ball drama, despite Nizakat thriving without captaincy

Passing on the leadership role does Nizakat’s batting no harm, yet East Africans have last laugh in one-day tri-series opener

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Nizakat Khan (in red) stars with the bat for Hong Kong against Uganda on Tuesday. Photo: Elson Li

Nizakat Khan was straight back into the swing after shedding the Hong Kong captaincy to rejoin the rank and file, but still tasted defeat in the opening match of the city’s home one-day tri-series.

Having stepped down to concentrate on his own game, Nizakat enjoyed his latest encounter with Uganda as he smashed 84 from 79 deliveries at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground on Tuesday.

The East Africans would have the last laugh, however, thanks to Cosmas Kyewuta, whose four off the final ball of the match enabled them to overhaul Hong Kong’s 50-over total of 240 for nine.

As so often, Nizakat was a fulcrum for the home team. He had a top score of 40 in Uganda’s backyard on the last assignment of his three years as skipper, November’s Challenge League. But he cut loose here, plundering seven fours and four sixes in a third-wicket stand of 93 with Babar Hayat, who contributed 65.

Babar Hayat on his way to 65 against Uganda at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. Photo: Elson Li
Babar Hayat on his way to 65 against Uganda at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. Photo: Elson Li

But as has also been a recurring theme, runs were scarcer elsewhere, with opener Anshuman Rath’s 25 the only other score above 16.

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