Pakistan prevailed in the final over England to be crowned Hong Kong Sixes champions for a record-equalling fifth time on the final day in Kowloon. According to reports received here stated that Sri Lanka and hosts Hong Kong were the losing semi-finalists but in the final Pakistan beat England 119-6 by 25 runs So the final, which consisted of five eight-ball over per side, and a comprehensive win for Pakistan. They batted first and amassed 154 for five as captain Abdul Razzaq and left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir both returned to record half-centuries and hit Rikki Clarke for 40 in his solitary over. None of England’s top-order got going as Umar Akmal took three wickets in the second over of the innings to peg them back after a relatively successful start. Tom Smith (29 from nine balls) and Peter Trego (32 from 10) gave them hope, but they were bowled out from the final ball for 119 for six.
Pakistan skipper Abdul Razzaq was named Player of the Final, while their leading batsman Umar Akmal picked up the Ben Hollioake Trophy for Player of the Tournament. It sparked riotous scenes amongst the Kowloon Cricket Club faithful, with most of the capacity 4,500-strong crowd, having cheered themselves hoarse backing Pakistan. “It was a fantastic tournament. I was very, very happy to see the crowd turnout over the three days and I’m sure everyone was entertained by the final,” said Hong Kong Cricket Association president Shahzada Saleem. The victory saw Pakistan draw level with England as the team with the most number of wins – each having five titles. But Pakistan warned they will be back for more.
“We are delighted to have matched England with five wins a piece. But we want to make it six next year,” said happy skipper Razzaq who was named Man-of-the-Match. The Ben Hollioake award for the Player-of-the-Tournament went to teammate Umar Akmal whose fantastic batting – he aggregated 197 – set the tournament alight. But in the final, it was all Razzaq and Tanvir as they plundered the English bowling at will. “It was a superb batting display,” conceded England captain Rory Hamilton-Brown. “We were up against some world-class players and getting to the final itself was creditable for us.” England’s run-chase never got off the ground with wickets falling in bundles. Akmal was the chief wrecker, taking three wickets in his over, including a superb one-handed diving catch to dismiss dangerman Darren Stevens. “I’m really pleased to win. But we didn’t want to celebrate until the last ball was bowled,” said Razzaq. Pakistan had looked determined all week and easily outshone the marque side – the Woodworm All Stars- who had included countryman Shahid Afridi and Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya.
Pakistan knocked out the other associate member making its debut, Ireland who could only manage to post 86 thanks to 33 from Paul Stirling. Despite losing wickets constantly, including the big-hitting Umar Akmal for 24, Pakistan were always in control of the run-chase thanks to opener Sharjeel Khan who carried his bat for a well-compiled 40. In the first semi-final, England 101-2 beat Sri Lanka 94-3 by 7 runs
England held their nerve against a late onslaught from Chathura Peiris to win by seven runs and book their place in the final. Darren Stevens hit 32 from 10 balls before retiring and Rikki Clarke added late impetus with 34 from eight as England reached 101 from their five overs. Stevens then bowled an outstanding opening over and reduced Sri Lanka to six for two before Thisara Perera and Peiris got Sri Lanka close. In the second semi-final, Pakistan 116-3 beat Hong Kong 84-3 by 32 runs. Pakistan hammered Hong Kong in the second semi-final to set up a clash with England as they prevailed by 32 runs over the hosts. Umar Akmal continued his imperious form with a six-ball 34 and was helped by contributions of 25 from nine balls, 24 from seven and 22 from five from the trio of Sharjeel Khan, Abdul Razzaq and Hammad Azam as Pakistan reached 116. Razzaq then took two wickets in the opening over of the hosts’ run chase and they never really recovered in spite of a late valiant effort from Haseeb Amjad who ended with 38 from 10 balls.
