Hong Kong, November 2, 2024-Pakistan secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Sixes tournament on Saturday with an 18-run victory over South Africa in the quarter-final match at Mission Road Ground.
Batting first, Pakistan faced an early setback as Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf were dismissed for golden ducks in the opening over, leaving the team at 8-2. However, Muhammad Akhlaq spearheaded a remarkable recovery, partnering with Hussain Talat to revive the innings. Akhlaq’s explosive batting featured seven sixes and two fours, reaching a half-century in just 16 balls before retiring out at 53*. By the end of four overs, Pakistan stood strong at 66-2.
Aamer Yamin and Hussain Talat provided the finishing touches, with Yamin contributing 18 off six balls and Talat remaining unbeaten on 27 from 11 deliveries. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 105-3 in their allotted six overs.
In response, South Africa’s chase faltered early, losing two wickets—including captain JJ Smuts—in the first two overs, leaving them at 12-2. Evan Jones and Modiri Litheko attempted to revive the innings with a 48-run partnership. Jones top-scored with a rapid 41 off 13 balls, featuring one four and five sixes, before being dismissed by Talat, who struck again on the next ball to reduce South Africa to 61-4 in 4.3 overs. This double blow stalled their momentum, and South Africa ultimately fell 18 runs short, finishing at 88-4.
Pakistan will face Australia in the semi-finals on Sunday, with the tournament’s final set to follow.
