A bullish Ehsan Khan remained optimistic Hong Kong would resuscitate their Challenge League B campaign in what has become a critical meeting with Italy on Sunday.

With only the two leading teams following next year’s third leg staying in contention to achieve ODI status and 2027 World Cup qualification, Hong Kong are fixed in third following a damaging 48 hours in midweek.

A heavy loss to Uganda came after Wednesday’s game against minnows Tanzania was washed out. Another defeat against second-placed Italy would leave daylight between Hong Kong and the top two.

Elder statesman Khan, 40, claimed 29 wickets in 15 ODIs after making his Hong Kong debut in 2016. His prize scalps included the superstar Indian duo of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni.

Hong Kong surrendered their ODI status in 2018, and Khan said he would play for “at least another two to three years” in the hope of “seeing that standard of cricket again with my teammates”.