ENG_LOSE_SIXES_FINAL_29SEP1997

Monday 29 September 1997

England`s hopes hit by Wasim

By Charles Randall in Hong Kong

ENGLAND were surprisingly defeated by Pakistan in the final of the Cathay Pacific-sponsored Hong Kong Sixes yesterday, a result which marked the resurgence of Wasim Akram after four months out of cricket.

If Lancashire`s supporters wondered whether the Pak- istan all-rounder could justify another season at Old Trafford, let alone a Test comeback, his performance here suggested that his shoulder operation had been the success he always claimed.

England, with Adam Hollioake captaining for the first time, had produced a series of impressive victories on a converted football pitch at the Government Stadium, including a big win over Pakistan in the qualifying group on Saturday.

One consolation on a cold, rainy night was Matthew Fleming`s award as player of the tournament, well deserved mainly for his seam-bowling, which produced a hat-trick against Hong Kong on Saturday. England`s seven players shared -L10,400 in prize-money, half the amount they must have expected before their batting faltered in the final with a below-par score of 70.

After Dougie Brown and Fleming had conceded only seven runs off each of their overs, Hollioake spoilt a good personal weekend by allowing Zahoor Elahi to score 23 off the last over with a ball to spare.

England had eliminated a good Australian side thanks to Alistair Brown`s 47 not out, the highest individual innings of the tournament.

Though brimful of sponsorship and satellite coverage, the event attracted a crowd of barely 7,000. Sixes deserve a slot on the international calendar, however, as a useful development device.

A delighted Wasim said he expected to return to Test cricket against South Africa next month and continue playing for at least three years.

England squad: A J Hollioake (capt), B C Hollioake, A D Brown, D R Brown, M A Ealham, M V Fleming, G D Lloyd.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/)