KCC got their 2012-13 Premier League campaign off to a cracking start by thrashing one of the favoured teams, Pakistan Association by 6 wickets at KCC today.

A brilliant debut performance by Imran Arif of 10-2-30-5 saw the potent Pakistan Association batting line-up dismissed for just 141 in 40.3 overs. Arif ripped the heart out the of the top-order in a devastating opening spell that left the Pakistani's reeling at 49-4 and then 72-5. He received good support from Kinchit Shah, who cleaned up the tail with 3-15 from 7.3 overs. Former HK skipper Najeeb Amar was the only batsman to offer any resistance, scoring a patient 45.

In reply, KCC suffered four early setbacks with Lamsam, Khatri, Dearing and Barkat all back in the Pavilion by the time the score reached 45. But an unbeaten century partnership between Jamie Atkinson (45*) and Kinchit Shah (67*) saw KCC home in the 23rd over. Atkinson hit six boundaries and two towering sixes in his 63 ball innings while Shah's runs were scored off just 38 balls and included four boundaries and seven sixes.

Summary - At KCC: Kowloon CC 145-4 from 22.2 overs (Jamie Atkinson 45*, Kinchit Shah 67*) beat Pakistan Association AMSUA 141 from 40.3 overs (Najeeb Amar 45; Imran Arif 5-30, Kinchit Shah 3-15) by 6 wickets [Full Scorecard]


In the day's over match, HKCC beat LSWCC by 36 runs. 

It is with great pleasure that I can announce the Premier League team for the upcoming match against Pakistan Association at Kowloon Cricket Club on Sunday, 16th September.
 
The Premier League team is:
Jamie Atkinson (Captain)
Dylan Dearing (Vice Captain)
Imran Arif
Waqas Barkat
Waqar Dawood
Afzaal Haider
Muhammed Khan
Hersh Khatri
Roy Lamsam
Kinchit Shah
Ateeq Ul Rehaman
Ninad Shah (12th Man)
 
Commenting on the team, Chairman of Selectors Damian Kelleher said:
 
"The Premier League Selection Panel (PLSP) has painstakingly gone through our playing list and selected a team that is balanced both with the bat and fast and slow bowling options."  He continued "It is fantastic to note that Hong Kong Captain Jamie Atkinson is available for the entire season and will lead the team both with his on field presence and knowledge and his intimidating and attacking stroke play.  Jamie's availability is undoubtedly a huge plus for KCC cricket".
 
There are two new faces in the Premier League team, promising young batsman Hersh Khatri and fast bowler Imran Arif have been included for the first time.

“Hersh Khatri has been in excellent form in recent weeks. His inclusion is in recognition of his consistently good performances and we anticipate that he can provide steadiness at the top of the order. Imran Arif has just completed a productive season in England and he will provide a strong and reliable bowling option" said Kelleher.
 
The team will be coached by newly appointed KCC coach Mr Ryan Campbell, who with his extensive coaching experience and knowledge of playing the game at the highest level should help elevate the team to a new level of professionalism and on field performance.
 
Players should assemble at the KCC, ready for warm ups by no later than 9:30am.
 
Yours in cricket,
Damian Kelleher

The KCC Premier League Squad for the upcoming match on 16th September is as follows:
 

1. Arif, Imran
   
2. Atkinson, Jamie
3. Barkat, Waqas
4. Campbell, Ryan
5. Dawood, Waqar
6. Dearing, Dylan
7. Haider, Afzaal
8. Khan, Muhammed
9. Lamsam, Roy
10. Shah, Kinchit
11. Shah, Ninad
12. Ul Rehman, Ateequi

 
Sincerely
Damian Kelleher
KCC Chairman Of Selectors