Pakistan beat Hong Kong to reach Plate final, set up Oman clash

Hong Kong: Pakistan advanced to the final of the Hong Kong Sixes Plate competition with a five-wicket win over Hong Kong in the semi-final. Pakistan chased down a target of 107 in 4.3 overs, reaching 107 for 5. They will face Oman in the final. Batting first, Hong Kong posted 106 for 3 in their allotted six overs. Captain Nizakat Khan played a brisk knock of 38 off just 10 balls, including one four and five sixes. Anshy Rath made 37 off 15 balls with four fours and three sixes. Nasrulla Rana hit 16 off three balls (one four, two sixes) and Babar Hayat made 12 off six balls (three fours). Yasim Murtaza fell without scoring. For Pakistan, Irfan Khan took two wickets and Ahmed Daniyal claimed one. In reply, Pakistan got off to a flying start. Abbas Afridi smashed an unbeaten 55 off 13 balls, including three fours and seven sixes. Khawaja Nafay made 34 off 10 balls (two fours, four sixes) and Abdul Samad hit 17 off four balls (one four, two sixes). Pakistan reached the target in 27 balls. Notably, six-time champions and defending title holders Pakistan had to play the Plate semi-final because they failed to top their group. Under the tournament's format, group winners qualify for the Cup, the second-placed team goes into the Plate and the third-placed side plays in the Bowl. Pakistan's troubles began in their very first match, when they suffered a last-ball defeat to the United Arab Emirates. Although they recorded a convincing win over India, the UAE's victory over India left Pakistan second in the group, forcing them into the Plate. The UAE won all their group matches to finish on top. Hong Kong showed glimpses of their ability in this match, but their bowling proved insufficient against Pakistan's batters. Pakistan will now set their sights on clinching the title against Oman in the final.