ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will face Oman in the plate final of the Hong Kong Sixes on Sunday after a convincing six-wicket victory over hosts Hong Kong, following the defending champions’ failure to qualify for the main final.
Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the title clash ended after the UAE defeated India, a result that pushed the Greenshirts out of contention for the main final. The defending champions finished second behind the UAE in their pool, while India had to settle for third place.
However, Pakistan produced an emphatic performance against Hong Kong in the Plate semi-final, securing a comprehensive victory with plenty of deliveries to spare.
Chasing a target of 107, Pakistan made light work of the task, racing to victory in the fifth over without losing a wicket. Opener Abbas Afridi led the charge with a breathtaking unbeaten 55, smashing seven sixes and three fours to take the game away from the hosts. Khawaja Nafay provided excellent support with an unbeaten 34, as the pair stitched together an unbroken partnership to guide Pakistan into the Plate final in commanding fashion.
The victory ensured that Pakistan remained in the hunt for silverware despite missing out on a place in the main final. They will now look to finish their campaign on a winning note against Oman on Sunday. Meanwhile, Australia and Afghanistan booked their places in the main final after winning their respective semi-finals. Afghanistan defeated Scotland to secure their place in the title showdown, while Australia overcame the UAE comfortably to set up a final against the Afghans.
