Hong Kong Sixes: Pakistan edges out Australia to secure final berth

Skipper Faheem Ashraf's outstanding all-round performance led Pakistan to a thrilling win over Australia, propelling them into the Hong Kong Super Sixes final set for later today at Mission Road Ground.

Australia, batting first, posted a solid 107/1 in their six allotted overs. Openers Sam Heazlett and Jack Wood gave Australia a strong start, putting together a 56-run stand. Wood scored a brisk 36 from 17 balls, smashing four fours and two sixes before Faheem Ashraf managed to bowl him out in the fourth over. Dan Christian then took charge, blasting an impressive 42 off just 10 balls, while Heazlett remained unbeaten with 26 off nine balls.

Chasing 108, Pakistan got off to a flying start thanks to the aggressive approach of their openers. Asif Ali set the pace, hammering 32 runs off only eight balls, which included five sixes, before getting dismissed early in the second over. Muhammad Akhlaq carried on with the momentum, contributing 32 off 10 balls with three boundaries and three sixes.

The game intensified as Pakistan needed to maintain the high run rate. Faheem Ashraf and Aamer Yamin joined forces and built a crucial 38-run partnership, keeping Pakistan in the hunt. Faheem ultimately struck a match-winning four off the second-last delivery, sealing Pakistan’s place in the final.

Faheem scored 19 not out from nine balls, while Aamer Yamin chipped in with a valuable 24 off eight balls, ensuring Pakistan’s victory with just one ball remaining.

Later today, Pakistan will face either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh in the final, scheduled to begin at 1:45 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST).