Two teams are on the verge of debuting at the 2015 World Cup as the qualifying tournament enters its Super Sixes stage today in Christchurch.
Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong have never featured in 10 previous editions of the world's pinnacle limited overs tournament. With three matches to play, they are poised to book tickets.
PNG have four carry-over points from pool play - they play Scotland, United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong (each of whom have two points). Hong Kong also play Namibia (two points) and Kenya (no points). The top two sides progress to next year's World Cup after playing a final at Lincoln on Saturday. Fellow International Cricket Council associate members Ireland and Afghanistan have already qualified for the World Cup along with the 10 test teams.
PNG have shone through the performances of Lega Siaka and Charles Amini. Opener Siaka averages 147 for the tournament, with two centuries seizing victory against Namibia and Kenya; leg spinner Amini has claimed nine wickets at 14.88 with an economy rate of 3.43. He bamboozled Uganda, taking six for 19.
Hong Kong have relied on opener Irfan Ahmed who posted 86 not out, 100 not out and 75 in wins over Nepal, Canada and Scotland respectively. His performances have been reinforced by the consistency of right-arm pace bowler Haseeb Amjad who has taken three or more wickets in each of the four matches. His current tournament haul is 13 wickets at 12.92 with an economy rate of 4.58.
