Hong Kong Super Sixes: Pakistan secure final spot with four-wicket win over Australia

Pakistan clinched a spot in the final of the Hong Kong World Super Sixes tournament, defeating Australia by four wickets in a high-intensity semi-final in Mong Kok.

Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to field, allowing Australia to post a competitive 107-run total in their six overs, driven by Daniel Christian’s explosive 42 off eight balls and Jack Wood’s 36-run contribution.

Captain Faheem Ashraf took Pakistan’s only wicket, while bowler Asif Ali had a challenging over, conceding 37 runs, including six sixes and a wide.

In the chase, Pakistan came out with an aggressive approach. Asif Ali smashed 32 runs off eight balls, while Mohammad Ikhlaq matched the intensity with 32 runs off ten balls. Captain Faheem Ashraf added 19 runs, and Aamer Yamin’s quick 24 sealed Pakistan’s victory with four wickets to spare.

Australia’s Andrew Fekete and Fawad Khan each claimed a wicket, but Pakistan’s relentless batting powered them into the tournament's final.

Jack Wood contributed with 36 runs before being dismissed, helping Australia reach 107 runs in their allotted six overs. For Pakistan, captain Faheem Ashraf managed to claim the only wicket, while Asif Ali conceded a costly 37 runs in his single over, which included six sixes and a wide ball.

Yesterday, Muhammad Akhlaq’s quick-fire half-century and a strong bowling display led Pakistan to a 17-run victory over South Africa, securing a place in the Hong Kong Super Sixes semi-finals at Mission Road Ground.

Batting first, Pakistan posted an impressive 105/3 in just six overs, despite a rocky start. Both openers, Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf, fell for golden ducks in the first over, leaving Pakistan at 8/2.

However, Muhammad Akhlaq’s aggressive response turned the game around. Partnering with Hussain Talat, he hammered seven sixes and two fours, reaching his fifty in only 16 balls.

Akhlaq then retired out, with Pakistan well-positioned at 66/2 after four overs.

All-rounders Aamer Yamin and Talat took charge in the final overs, adding crucial runs to lift Pakistan to 105. Yamin contributed a quick 18 off six balls, while Talat stayed unbeaten with 27 off 11.

South Africa faced a tough 104-run target and struggled from the start. They lost two wickets within the first two overs, including captain JJ Smut, managing only 12 runs on the board.

Evan Jones tried to keep South Africa in the game with a rapid 41 off 13 balls, hitting five sixes, but fell as Talat broke the 48-run partnership he had built with Modiri Litheko.

The double blow set South Africa back, leaving them short at 88/4 by the end of their chase.

Talat starred with the ball, taking two wickets, while Shahab Khan and Aamer Yamin grabbed one each, sealing Pakistan’s victory.

With today's win, Pakistan remains unbeaten in the tournament.