Pakistan beat Oman by 18 runs to win Hong Kong Sixes Plate title

Pakistan secured the Hong Kong International Sixes Plate title on Sunday after defeating Oman by 18 runs in a high-scoring final at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok.

Led by captain Abbas Afridi's explosive performance with the bat, Pakistan posted a staggering total of 154 for four in their allotted six overs before restricting Oman to 136 for four.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, Oman struggled to contain the Pakistani batting lineup. Abbas produced a stunning display of power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 73 off just 16 deliveries.

The Pakistan skipper cleared the boundary 11 times and hit one four, finishing with a strike rate of 456.25 to lay the foundation for his side's massive total.

Middle-order batter Abdul Samad provided strong support, scoring 32 runs from seven balls with four sixes and two fours before falling caught and bowled to Muzahir Raza.

Late hitting from Ahmed Daniyal, who hammered an unbeaten 25 off five balls with four sixes, helped Pakistan maintain their relentless run rate in the closing overs.

Among the other contributors, Muhammad Shahzad scored 13 off four balls before retiring out, while Khawaja Nafay chipped in with seven runs. Muzahir Raza was Oman's most successful bowler, taking two for 46.

In response, Oman produced a spirited run chase, powered by aggressive half-centuries from Zohaib Amanat and Usman Ali, but ultimately fell short of the steep target.

Zohaib remained unbeaten on 61 from 18 balls, hitting eight sixes and three fours, while Usman struck an unbeaten 67 off 17 deliveries with eight sixes and four fours.

Oman suffered early setbacks as captain Aamir Kaleem was run out without scoring, while several middle-order batters retired out as the required run rate climbed beyond reach.

Abbas was named player of the match for his decisive 73-run innings, completing a successful campaign for Pakistan in the Plate division of the tournament.

Brief scores: Pakistan 154-4 (6 overs; Abbas Afridi 73*, Abdul Samad 32, Ahmed Daniyal 25*; Muzahir Raza 2-46) beat Oman 136-4 (6 overs; Usman Ali 67*, Zohaib Amanat 61*) by 18 runs.