Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka clinched their second Hong Kong Super Sixes title with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final, held at Mong Kok Stadium.
The match saw moments of high tension and strategic play, with Sri Lanka eventually emerging victorious in a closely contested game.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to field first, a decision that immediately paid off. Their bowlers put Pakistan under pressure from the start, securing two crucial early wickets and preventing the opposition from building any momentum.
Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to gain stability, with most players failing to make a significant contribution. Mohammad Akhlaq was the only one to stand out, scoring a fighting 48 runs, giving his team some hope despite the early setbacks.
The rest of Pakistan’s lineup, however, could not rise to the occasion. Captain Faheem Ashraf managed just 13 runs, Aamer Yamin contributed a mere 6, and Asif Ali and Hussain Talat both fell for low scores, with 0 and 1 run, respectively.
As a result, Pakistan’s innings ended prematurely, as they were bowled out for a modest total of 72 runs in their allotted 6 overs.
Sri Lankan bowlers Dhananjaya Lakshan and Tharindu Rathnayake were instrumental in restricting Pakistan’s score, both taking two wickets each and applying consistent pressure on the opposition.
Chasing a target of 73 runs to claim the title, Sri Lanka approached their innings cautiously. The early wickets of Sandun Weerakkody and Lihuru Madhusanka could have shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favor, but Sri Lanka’s composure remained intact.
Weerakkody, despite the tense situation, top-scored for his side with a crucial 34 runs, laying the foundation for the chase. Captain Madhusanka also played a key role with a quick 19, while Dhananjaya Lakshan added just 2 runs but helped stabilize the innings.
Even with three wickets down, Sri Lanka managed to pace their chase effectively, ultimately reaching the target with an over to spare. Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf delivered a commendable bowling performance, taking two wickets, but his efforts were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from clinching the victory.
The Sri Lankan team’s disciplined bowling and steady batting ensured a hard-fought win, securing their second Hong Kong Super Sixes title and marking a memorable performance in the tournament.
The win further highlighted Sri Lanka’s dominance in the format, as they outclassed Pakistan both with the ball and bat in the decisive moments of the match, solidifying their reputation in the Hong Kong Super Sixes competition.
