PNG on top in Hong Kong
Papua New Guinea have made an unbeaten start in the World Cricket League Division Three tournament in Hong Kong.The Pacific Islanders have racked up wins over Oman and Italy so far, and are the only team with a 100 percent record.USA meanwhile lost to Denmark on Saturday, and will have their work cut out for them if they are to finish in the top two and qualify for the Division Two tournament in Dubai in April where they would face Bermuda.Generally believed to be the two strongest sides in the competition, Denmark and USA have both lost a game, the Danes were thumped by Italy on the opening day, while USA thrashed Hong Kong before losing this weekend.The US play PNG tomorrow in a match they must win to have any hopes of being promoted to Division Two. Even then, USA are fourth in the table, with PNG top, Denmark second, and Italy third.Both Denmark and Italy have vastly superior run rates, while Oman, who are fifth, could yet force themselves into contention if they can beat USA on Wednesday.Hosts Hong Kong meanwhile have lost both their first two matches and are seemingly well out of the race to finish in the top two places.Whoever is promoted will then progress to the Division Two competition in Dubai in April, and both will be sides Bermuda have to beat if they are to harbour any hopes of making it into Division One.With the Intercontinental Shield reverting to an eight team competition, two teams from the top four finishers in April will be added to the top six Associate countries to make up the numbers.The bottom two teams meanwhile will be relegated back to Division Three.