Sri Lanka emerged victorious as the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes Champions, defeating Pakistan by 3 wickets in a thrilling final on Sunday at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. This marks Sri Lanka’s second title since their inaugural victory in 2007, showcasing their resilience and skill in the fast-paced format.
Key Highlights:
- Dramatic Final: Tharindu Rathnayake played a pivotal role in the chase, smashing the first ball he faced for six, followed by a four, as Sri Lanka chased down a target of 73 runs. He ultimately secured the win with an explosive finish, solidifying his place as a match-winner.
- Outstanding Performances: Opening batsman Sandun Weerakkody was instrumental throughout the tournament, contributing with three half-centuries, including an impressive 34 runs off just 13 balls in the final. His performance included four sixes, demonstrating his explosive batting style.
- Pakistan’s Struggle: Pakistan set a challenging total of 72 runs in 5.2 overs, largely thanks to Muhammad Akhlaq, who scored a resilient 48 off 20 balls. However, their innings struggled after being reduced to 51 for 5 within the first four overs, facing a formidable Sri Lankan bowling attack.
- Bowling Contributions: Rathnayake not only excelled with the bat but also made significant contributions with the ball, taking crucial wickets, including that of Faheem Ashraf and Aamer Yamin. Nimesh Vimukthi also shone in the field, executing a remarkable catch off Shahab Khan.
- Semi-Final Success: Sri Lanka’s path to the final included a hard-fought 3-wicket win against Bangladesh, where Weerakkody and Rathnayake combined their efforts to clinch victory off the penultimate ball. Rathnayake’s bowling performance, with 4 wickets, was vital in restricting Bangladesh to a total of 103 runs.
Sri Lanka’s triumph in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes not only highlights their growing prowess in the shorter formats of the game but also reinforces their competitive spirit on the international stage.
Last modified: November 4, 2024