Islamabad, Nov 4: Pakistan Fall to Sri Lanka in Sixes Final
Sri Lanka won the 2024 title after defeating Pakistan by three wickets in the Hong Kong International Sixes Final.
After an incredible competition, Pakistan was unable to get going in the summit match as the Sri Lankan squad reached the finish line with six balls remaining, chasing a modest goal of 73 runs.
Lihuru Madhusanka, the captain of Sri Lanka, chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and it worked out well because his bowlers shut down Pakistan’s batting order.
Muhammad Akhlaq scored a heroic 48 runs off of just 20 balls, but Pakistan was unable to muster a substantial total.
With just 13 runs off of four deliveries, Faheem Ashraf is now the second highest scorer after Akhlaq’s innings was cut short by Madhusanka in the last over.
With Lakshan and Tharindu Rathnayake getting two wickets each and Nimesh Vimukthi and Madhusanka contributing one wicket each, Sri Lanka’s bowling assault was impressive.
Faheem Ashraf’s all-around exploits helped Pakistan get to the final earlier in the day following an exciting semi-final matchup with Australia.
In their six overs, Australia scored a respectable 107/1, driven by a 56-run partnership between Jack Wood and Sam Heazlett. But Ashraf’s dismissal of Wood, who scored 36 runs, changed the tide.
Asif Ali, who scored 32 runs off eight balls, and Muhammad Akhlaq, who added another 32 runs off ten deliveries, led an exciting chase for Pakistan.
With Ashraf finishing undefeated on 19 and Yamin not out on 24, their pursuit was cemented by a crucial partnership.
Sri Lanka celebrated a well-earned victory for their second Hong Kong Super Sixes title, as Pakistan was unable to duplicate their triumph in the final despite their impressive performance in the semi-final.
