Muhammad Akhlaq’s quick-fire half-century and a strong bowling display led Pakistan to a 17-run victory over South Africa, securing a place in the Hong Kong Super Sixes semi-finals at Mission Road Ground on Saturday.
Batting first, Pakistan posted an impressive 105/3 in just six overs, despite a rocky start. Both openers, Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf, fell for golden ducks in the first over, leaving Pakistan at 8/2.
However, Muhammad Akhlaq’s aggressive response turned the game around. Partnering with Hussain Talat, he hammered seven sixes and two fours, reaching his fifty in only 16 balls.
Akhlaq then retired out, with Pakistan well-positioned at 66/2 after four overs.
All-rounders Aamer Yamin and Talat took charge in the final overs, adding crucial runs to lift Pakistan to 105. Yamin contributed a quick 18 off six balls, while Talat stayed unbeaten with 27 off 11.
South Africa faced a tough 104-run target and struggled from the start. They lost two wickets within the first two overs, including captain JJ Smut, managing only 12 runs on the board.
Evan Jones tried to keep South Africa in the game with a rapid 41 off 13 balls, hitting five sixes, but fell as Talat broke the 48-run partnership he had built with Modiri Litheko.
The double blow set South Africa back, leaving them short at 88/4 by the end of their chase.
Talat starred with the ball, taking two wickets, while Shahab Khan and Aamer Yamin grabbed one each, sealing Pakistan’s victory.
With this win, Pakistan remains unbeaten in the tournament, having previously defeated the UAE by 13 runs and arch-rivals India by six wickets.
