Hong Kong, South Africa to contest Sixes final

Hosts Hong Kong will meet South Africa in the final of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes after both teams handed defeats to England and Sri Lanka in their opening clashes in the round robin phase of the tournament's Cup competition.

Irfan Ahmad impressed once again with both bat and ball for the home side, scoring 34 runs against England in 12 balls before following that up with a nock of 32 against Sri Lanka in 11 balls.

Irfan's performance against the English came as Hong Kong defeated the defending champions by six wickets, surpassing England's total of 72 runs from five overs with relative ease.

Hong Kong's victory over Sri Lanka was even more emphatic, coming after the bowling attack had limited the Sri Lankans to just 59 runs for the loss of five wickets.

Captain Najeeb Amar and Irfan piled on the runs before Irfan retired having hit 32 runs as the Sri Lankans eventually succumbed to another six wicket defeat.

South Africa, meanwhile, carried on from their high-scoring form from the first day, defeating Sri Lanka in their opening game by one wicket thanks to a fine innings of 44 not out from Loots Bosman.

David Jacobs then took up the mantle in South Africa's next game when they launched a successful run chase to defeat England, scoring 103 for 3 with Jacobs scoring 36 as the South Africans beat Chris Read's team by three wickets.

The two finalists met in their final group game in what turned out to be a dress rehearsal for the tournament decider later in the day, with Hong Kong winning on the final ball as they successfully chased down South Africa's total of 97 to complete a remarkable sixth win in a row.

In the Plate competition, Australia will meet New Zealand in the final after handing Pakistan a comprehensive six wicket defeat.

Greg Moller and Glenn Maxwell both scored 33 runs as the Australians overhauled Pakistan's total of 77 for 3 while New Zealand downed India in their semifinal.

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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