‘Exceptional’ Hong Kong teen cricketer faces crunch choice between local, overseas studies

Hailed by his coach and captain, respectively, as “an exceptional talent” and “a great prospect”, Shiv Mathur has targeted a statement performance in Hong Kong’s ongoing four-match T20 series with Kuwait.

At a career crossroads, Mathur, who has a highest score of 39 from 11 T20 internationals, will decide this summer whether to leave the city for university. In purely cricket terms, the 18-year-old is aiming over the next week to shrug off a quiet start against Kuwait and “show I’m here to stay”.

After scores of 0 and 6 in a pair of victories this week, right-hander Mathur’s next chance to shine will come in two matches over the weekend. The sides also meet in a three-match one-day series next week.

“I’ve been working hard and playing well … it’s my time to come here and a great opportunity to apply myself,” said Mathur, who blazed an unbeaten 136 off 51 balls for Hong Kong Cricket Club in a local Premier League match last weekend.

“I’ll back my strengths and, hopefully, come off soon.”

Touted as Hong Kong’s next big thing since making his debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, Mathur, who can also keep wicket, said he was satisfied that he was able to establish himself while he was young.

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