Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the Final of the Hong Kong International Sixes by three wickets to win the 2024 title.
Chasing a modest target of 73 runs, the Sri Lankan team crossed the finish line with six balls to spare as Pakistan failed to get things going in the summit clash after a brilliant tournament.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Lihuru Madhusanka, won the toss and opted to bowl first, which paid off as his bowlers stifled Pakistan’s batting line-up. Despite a valiant 48 runs off just 20 balls from Muhammad Akhlaq, Pakistan struggled to establish a strong total. Akhlaq’s innings ended in the final over at the hands of Madhusanka, leaving Faheem Ashraf as the next-highest scorer with just 13 runs off four deliveries.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was formidable, with Lakshan and Tharindu Rathnayake taking two wickets, while Nimesh Vimukthi and Madhusanka contributed with one wicket apiece.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan reached the final after a thrilling semi-final against Australia, where they emerged victorious thanks to Faheem Ashraf’s all-round heroics. Australia posted a competitive score of 107/1 in their six overs, powered by a 56-run partnership between Sam Heazlett and Jack Wood. However, Ashraf turned the tide by dismissing Wood, who scored 36 runs.
Pakistan’s chase was explosive, spearheaded by Asif Ali, who smashed 32 runs off eight balls, and Muhammad Akhlaq, who added another 32 runs off 10 deliveries. A vital partnership between Ashraf and Aamer Yamin solidified their pursuit, with Ashraf finishing unbeaten on 19 and Yamin not out on 24.
Despite their strong performance in the semi-final, Pakistan couldn’t replicate their success in the final, as Sri Lanka celebrated a well-deserved victory for their second Hong Kong Super Sixes title.
