Back-to-back wins strengthen England's defence

England's defence of their Hong Kong Cricket Sixes title had the perfect start as Chris Read's team recorded back-to-back wins in their opening pair of matches at Kowloon Cricket Club on Saturday.

A four-wicket win against India followed victory over Pakistan earlier in the day as the English moved to the verge of qualifying for Sunday's second phase of the competition.

The English survived a case of the jitters late in the game against the Indians after starting their chase of 89 runs in impressive fashion.

Darren Stevens and Peter Trego retired unbeaten after scoring 32 and 35 runs respectively but two wickets in two balls for Stuart Binny late in the game - when he claimed the scalps of Read and Graham Napier - caused some consternation for England late in the game.

Rory Hamilton Brown steadied the ship for England, however, scoring the four runs needed to secure his team's second win in a row.

Earlier in the day, the English had opened their campaign with victory over Pakistan, hitting 92 runs without loss in their allotted five overs.

But, with Pakistan scoring 38 runs off Napier's penultimate over, the result hung in the balance right to the end.

However, a fine final over by Trego - who claimed the wicket of Sohail Khan while only conceding 11 runs - guaranteed a winning start for the holders.

India's loss to England followed a successful start to the tournament for Anil Kumble and company when they recorded a win by six runs against Sri Lanka.

Manish Pandey and Jagadeesh Arunkumar both retired unbeaten on 31 and 36 runs respectively before Kumble closed out the innings to leave the Sri Lankans to embark on an unsuccessful chase of 89 runs to win.

Sri Lanka bounced back in their next game, handing Pakistan a defeat by six runs to keep their chances of playing in Sunday's Cup competition alive.

Meanwhile, Irfan Ahmad was the star for Hong Kong with both the bat and ball as the hosts won all three of their Southern hemisphere group games to become the first side to qualify for tomorrow's Cup competition

The 19-year-old scored 33 unbeaten runs in Hong Kong's five wicket win over South Africa before claiming the wicket of Shanan Stewart when his first ball against New Zealand zipped through the batsman's defences.

He then shone with the bat against the Kiwis, hitting four sixes before retiring unbeaten once again, this time on 32 runs as Hong Kong successfully chased down a total of 92 to notch up their second win in a row.

Irfan was on centre stage again in Hong Kong's final group game as the home side recorded a four wicket win over Australia, running out Marcus Stoinis in a game that also saw Munir Dar impress with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 33.

"It went pretty well for us," said Irfan after the win over Australia. "It was good and I'm batting well. We were looking forward to this, we knew we could do this and it's been pretty easy for us.

"Now we want to go on and get into the final because it will be very good for Hong Kong cricket.

"Tomorrow we'll just take it game by game and let's see what we can do. We're really enjoying it out there, the crowd is behind us as well and it's been great."

South Africa bounced back from their defeat at the hands of Hong Kong to beat Australia in impressive fashion, successfully completing a 110-run chase to win by four wickets and keep their hopes of a place in the next round alive.

That loss, coupled with the defeat against Hong Kong, left Australia facing elimination from the business end of the competition.

- ENDS -

About the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes
In 2009, the Sixes has been selected as an ICC Centenary Celebration World Event and will feature a special ceremony to honour 100 years of the International Cricket Council and the Spirit of Cricket.

Six-a-side cricket is the quickest, most fun-filled version of the game - a feast of world-class players, thrilling matches and big hits.

First played in 1992, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is the longest-running and highest-profile Sixes tournament in the world. It offers two days of fast and furious action in a festival atmosphere - eight international teams, 45-minute clashes and global television coverage.

Stars who have taken part include Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Javed Miandad, Steve and Mark Waugh, Viv Richards, Andrew Flintoff, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Adam Gilchrist, Wasim Akram, MS Dhoni and Sanath Jayasuriya.

The Sixes won the prestigious 2007 ICC Award for Best Cricket Promotional and Marketing Award.

England recorded a record fifth Sixes title last year after a stunning final in which they finished tied with Australia on 121 runs. When Australian batsman Stephen O'Keefe was run out attempting a second run from the final delivery that would have given his team victory, England were confirmed victors as they had lost fewer wickets (three wickets to one).

For further information, please contact:
Damien McDowell
T: +852 2815-9876
M: +852 9409-5811
E: dmcdowell@brand-rapport.com

Erica Liu
T: +852 2815-9871
M: +852 9186-6877
E: eliu@brand-rapport.com