In a high-energy semi-final match in Mong Kok, Pakistan secured their place in the final of the Hong Kong World Super Sixes by defeating Australia by four wickets. Pakistan chose to field after winning the toss, which set the stage for a competitive encounter.
Australia, batting first, put up a challenging score of 107 runs in their six allotted overs. This total was largely due to Daniel Christian’s rapid 42 off just eight balls, along with a strong 36-run contribution from Jack Wood. Pakistan’s captain, Faheem Ashraf, managed to take the only wicket, while Asif Ali faced a tough over, giving up 37 runs, including six towering sixes and a wide.
Chasing 108 for victory, Pakistan’s batsmen displayed remarkable aggression. Asif Ali came out swinging, scoring 32 runs off only eight balls, while Mohammad Ikhlaq kept up the pace with his 32 off ten deliveries. Faheem Ashraf added a quick 19 runs, and Aamer Yamin’s fast 24 runs clinched the game, helping Pakistan reach the target with four wickets remaining.
Australia’s bowlers, Andrew Fekete and Fawad Khan, each took a wicket, but Pakistan’s determination in the chase was unstoppable. Jack Wood’s 36 was a valuable contribution for Australia, allowing them to reach a strong total, but it wasn’t enough to fend off Pakistan’s power hitters. Faheem Ashraf’s lone wicket for Pakistan proved valuable, though Asif Ali’s single over turned out costly, as he conceded multiple sixes.
Pakistan’s Journey to the Semi-Finals
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan’s spirited play led them to a memorable win against South Africa, sealing their spot in the semi-finals. Playing at Mission Road Ground, they defeated South Africa by 17 runs, driven by a brilliant performance from Muhammad Akhlaq, who led the batting with a quick-fire half-century.
Pakistan faced an early setback when openers Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf both got out on their first balls in the opening over, leaving the team struggling at 8/2. However, Muhammad Akhlaq came out swinging and turned the game around. Partnered with Hussain Talat, Akhlaq blasted seven sixes and two fours, reaching his fifty in only 16 balls before retiring out. His aggressive play lifted Pakistan to a strong position, ending four overs at 66/2.
Aamer Yamin and Hussain Talat picked up the momentum in the final overs. Yamin hit a quick 18 from six balls, while Talat stayed unbeaten with 27 off 11 balls, pushing Pakistan to a formidable total of 105.
South Africa struggled in their response to the 104-run target. They lost two key wickets early, including their captain JJ Smut, leaving them with only 12 runs after two overs. Evan Jones briefly revived South Africa’s hopes, smashing five sixes in a rapid 41 off 13 balls, but Talat’s breakthrough wicket, ending Jones’ partnership with Modiri Litheko, dashed South Africa’s chase. They finished their innings at 88/4.
Hussain Talat shone with the ball, taking two wickets, while Shahab Khan and Aamer Yamin chipped in with one wicket each, securing Pakistan’s impressive victory.
With this consistent performance, Pakistan has remained undefeated throughout the tournament and now looks forward to the final with great momentum.
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