Neisha Pratt leads a determined Hong Kong women's cricket team against Pakistan here next week, vying for a place in the 2009 World Cup.

The visitors are scheduled to play three 50-over one day international matches against Pakistan in the eastern city of Lahore and the winner will earn a berth in the 2007 qualifying tournament in Ireland.

Eight teams will compete in the 2007 qualifying round, out of them two top teams will go on to the Women's World Cup to be held in India two years later.

"We are here to get a place in qualifying round for the World Cup and earn a lot of experience," the New Zealand-born Neisha told AFP.

The current series is played under the auspices of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

This is the first ever international cricket competition undertaken by the Hong Kong team, which comprised half of expat players from India and Sri Lanka and half of locals.

Cricket is a fast-improving game in Hong Kong, whose men's team has taken long strides following success in the recent ACC Trophy in Malaysia, earning a place in the Asia Cup to be hosted in Pakistan in two years time.

"Despite having less facilities, the girls have put in a great deal of hard work over the summer," said Pratt, a former Northern Districts state player.

"The opportunity to qualify for a World Cup doesn't come around every day and we'll be giving it our best shot," she said.

The Hong Kong squad also includes Natasha Miles who caused a stir last season when she finished the season by taking 15 wickets playing in the men's Saturday League.

The Hong Kong team were lucky to get training facilities at Kowloon Cricket Club and have a healthy sponsorship from a cosmetics company.

Pakistan are placed better than their rival and their women's wing secretary Shamsa Hashmi hopes a win for the team.

Pakistan last qualified for the 1997 World Cup held in India but have since failed to clear the qualifying hurdle.

Australia are the current women's champion, winning the ninth World Cup held in South Africa last year. The women's World Cup was initiated in England in 1973.

The Hong Kong women's team: Neisha Pratt (captain), Renee Montgomery (vice captain), Chan Sau Ha, Betty Chan, Sarah Eames, Natasha Miles, Keenu Gill, Sam McIlwraith, Julie Atkinson, Godiva Li, Ishitaa Gidwani, Angela Kwan, Shaminda Wickramasinghe, Kylie Knott. Nasir Hameed (coach) and Mark Burns (manager).

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)