Pakistan secured their place in the final of the Hong Kong World Super Sixes tournament with a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in Mong Kok. Asif Ali and Mohammad Ikhlaq were pivotal in this success, smashing 32 runs off eight and ten balls, respectively.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan allowed Australia to set a formidable target of 107 runs, driven by Daniel Christian’s explosive 42 off eight balls and Jack Wood’s contribution of 36 runs. Despite a challenging over from Asif Ali, which saw 37 runs scored, including six sixes, Pakistan’s bowling was strategic, with Captain Faheem Ashraf taking the team’s only wicket.
In response, Pakistan’s batsmen adopted an aggressive stance from the start. Alongside Asif and Ikhlaq’s rapid scoring, Faheem Ashraf added 19 runs, with Aamer Yamin’s quick 24 sealing the victory and ensuring Pakistan’s progression with four wickets in hand.
Australia’s bowlers, Andrew Fekete and Fawad Khan, each took a wicket, but they could not stem Pakistan’s assertive batting, which propelled them into the final.
Read: Pakistan Secures Semi-Final Spot in Hong Kong Sixes by Beating South Africa
The semi-final win follows Pakistan’s strong performance in the quarter-finals, where Muhammad Akhlaq’s brisk half-century and a solid bowling effort led to a 17-run victory over South Africa. Despite a precarious start at 8/2, Akhlaq’s 50 off 16 balls, alongside Hussain Talat, revitalized Pakistan’s innings, allowing them to set a challenging 105 for three in six overs.
Facing a stiff target of 104, South Africa faltered, managing only 88 for four by the close, despite Evan Jones’ spirited 41 off 13 balls. Talat was instrumental with the ball, capturing two wickets which, combined with contributions from Shahab Khan and Aamer Yamin, clinched the win for Pakistan, keeping them unbeaten in the tournament.
