From tape-ball games to the international stage

For Maryam Bibi, Hong Kong’s Women’s Asia Cup meeting with India represents far more than another fixture. It is the latest step in a journey that began with tape-ball cricket alongside her father and eventually led to a leadership role in the Hong Kong women’s team.

She first played with a tape ball at home and during primary school. Her interest became more serious in college, where hard-ball cricket was the only format available. After helping her school team win a championship, she began attending national training sessions while continuing to play club cricket. Her progress eventually earned her a place in Hong Kong’s national setup, including selection for the 2018 ASEAN Cup tour to Thailand.

Balancing education and cricket

Maryam’s path was shaped by the demands of balancing sport and studies. Her mother insisted that she maintain her education while training, forcing the young cricketer to manage early-morning and evening sessions around her academic responsibilities.

“I had to work double hard in studies to play cricket,” Maryam said.

Her father provided the central motivation. He had dreamed of representing his national team but was unable to do so because of personal circumstances. Maryam decided to pursue that unfinished ambition herself.

“My dad has the biggest influence on me, because my dad's dream was to play for a national side, and he couldn't play due to some personal reasons. So, I wanted to lift up his dream,” she said.

India A defeat offered a valuable lesson

Hong Kong have already faced an Indian team, meeting India A in the 2023 ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. The match was one-sided: Hong Kong were bowled out for a low total before India A completed a nine-wicket victory inside six overs. Shreyanka Patil claimed five wickets for two runs.

Maryam remembers the defeat candidly, but believes it helped Hong Kong identify the areas they needed to improve. Since then, the team has focused on fitness, skills and analysis as it prepares to take on India’s senior side.

“From that game, we had a lot of learnings and lessons we brought back,” Maryam said.

Her message to her teammates is to respect India’s quality without being overwhelmed by the opposition’s reputation. “Play it as a game of cricket,” she said, urging Hong Kong to concentrate on each delivery rather than the name on the other side.

Harmanpreet Kaur is the dream wicket

Maryam has one particular Indian wicket in mind. Asked which batter she would most like to dismiss, she immediately chose Harmanpreet Kaur, whom she regards as both a favourite and a match-winner.

“Harmanpreet Kaur ... is my dream wicket. She's also a big player, a match-winner player, so I would love to dismiss her,” Maryam said.

She also admires Ellyse Perry, highlighting the contrast between Harmanpreet Kaur’s aggression and Perry’s calm approach to batting, bowling and competition.

Vice-captaincy and a wider ambition

As Hong Kong’s vice-captain, Maryam views leadership as a privilege and an opportunity to set standards for younger players. She wants to lead through her training, conduct and performances while helping build a stronger cricket culture in Hong Kong.

“As a player, I need to lead by example. I need to inspire young girls by setting an example for them,” she said.

The India match could also provide a lasting boost to Hong Kong’s women’s game. Maryam believes that sharing the field with established international stars will give younger players valuable exposure, access to new experiences and greater broadcast visibility.

Hong Kong will aim to compete strongly across the tournament, though Maryam identified the match against fellow associate side Thailand as especially important. Her personal goal is to contribute in every department. Bowling remains her favourite discipline, but she has also been working increasingly on her batting.

For Maryam Bibi, the Asia Cup is therefore a chance to honour her father’s dream, test Hong Kong’s progress and help inspire the next generation—while pursuing the prized dismissal of Harmanpreet Kaur.