Hong Kong look to secure ICC WC 2019 qualification spot

Hong Kong are in full preparation mode ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier as they aim to secure a dream spot for the main event in 2019.

Hong Kong qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier via the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-2017 pathway.

Playing 14 matches in over two-and half-year and winning eight out of it, they secured one of the four qualification spots from the eight teams competing in the last round of competition.

From 1982 to 2014, the team have played in 47 matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier (known as the ICC Trophy until 2005). During that time, they won 21 matches, lost 25 with one ending in a no-result.

Captain Babar Hayat played six matches in the previous event four years ago in New Zealand, scoring 153 runs in five innings with a high score of 46 not out, and is now looking forward to pitting his wits against other top teams.

"I am looking forward to playing against some of the strongest teams in international cricket in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

"It means a lot to all of us playing in the qualifier playing in front of the world. I am very confident with the boys in the team, everyone is committing themselves to competing hard."

The top two sides from the World Cup Qualifier will complete the 10-team line-up for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, which will be staged in the United Kingdom from May 30 to July 15.