HONG KONG: Sri Lanka outclassed Pakistan by three wickets in the Hong Kong Super Sixes 2024 final at Mong Kok on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first.
Pakistan got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. Only Mohammad Akhlaq provided significant resistance, scoring a fighting 48 runs.
Captain Faheem Ashraf contributed 13, while Aamer Yamin managed just 6. Asif Ali and Hussain Talat both struggled, scoring 0 and 1, respectively.
Pakistan’s innings ended abruptly, as they were bowled out for 72 runs in their allotted six overs. Dhananjaya Lakshan and Tharindu Rathnayake were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, each taking two wickets.
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Chasing a modest target of 73 runs, Sri Lanka lost three wickets but reached their target with an over to spare.
The innings started strong, with openers Sandun Weerakkody and Dhananjaya Lakshan putting together a brisk 39-run partnership.
Pakistan skipper Faheem Ashraf achieved a crucial breakthrough in the fourth over by dismissing the set batter Weerakkody, who top-scored with 34 runs off 13 balls.
Pakistan then struck twice in quick succession, reducing Sri Lanka to 59 for 3 in 4.2 overs. However, Tharindu Rathnayake stepped up under pressure, scoring 16 runs and guiding his team to victory in the penultimate over.
For Pakistan, Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf each claimed one wicket.
Sri Lanka won the Hong Kong Super Sixes final for second time.