KARACHI:
Skipper Abbas Afridi smashed an unbeaten 73 off 16 balls as Pakistan defeated Oman by 18 runs in the Plate final of the Hong Kong International Sixes tournament at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Sunday.
Pakistan, batting first after Oman elected to field, piled up a massive 154-4 in their allotted six overs, with Abbas leading the charge through a breathtaking display of power-hitting.
Abbas struck 11 sixes and one four at a remarkable strike rate of 456.25, providing the backbone of Pakistan’s explosive total.
He was well supported by Abdul Samad, who hammered 32 off just seven deliveries, including four sixes and two fours.
The pair added valuable runs to keep Pakistan on course for a huge total before Samad was caught and bowled by Muzahir Raza.
Ahmed Daniyal provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 25 off five balls, smashing four sixes. Muhammad Shahzad also contributed 13 off four deliveries, including two sixes, before retiring out.
Khawaja Nafay gave Pakistan a brisk start with seven off three balls, including a six, while Irfan Khan was dismissed for a duck.
Muzahir Raza was the pick of Oman’s bowlers, claiming two wickets for 46 runs in his two overs, while Usman Ali took one wicket.
In reply, Oman put up a spirited fight but finished at 136-4 in their six overs, falling 18 runs short of the target.
Zohaib Amanat remained unbeaten on 61 off 18 balls, hitting eight sixes and three fours, while Usman Ali smashed an unbeaten 67 off 17 deliveries, including eight sixes and four fours.
The pair launched a remarkable counterattack, adding 37 runs in the remaining part of the innings after Oman had lost their first wicket. However, the required run rate proved too steep for the chasing side.
Oman captain Aamir Kaleem was run out for a duck, while Sami Hassan, Shafiq Jan and Muzahir Raza retired out without scoring.
Abbas Afridi was named player of the match for his match-winning innings.