UAE, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England make it to semi-finals

Kabir Ali and Dimitri Mascarenhas were in form with the bat as England, the defending champions, won all three group matches on the opening day of the Hong Kong Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club. Kenya, Sri Lanka and the hosts, Hong Kong, were all brushed aside as England secured their place in Sunday's semi-finals, alongside Sri Lanka, who were runners-up in Pool A. In Pool B, UAE and Pakistan are through, while India and South Africa crashed out of the competition with only one victory between them.

England, captained by Matthew Maynard, fielded first against Kenya in the opener, who set them 74 which included 31 from Ravindu Shah. And England completed their task within their allotted five overs, helped in no small part by the on-song Mascarenhas, who made 35 before having to retire.

After brushing Kenya aside, England faced their strongest threat in Sri Lanka, who posted 86, but Kabir Ali made sure of a tight victory - which came up with one ball to spare - as he struck 34 for England before retiring.

Hong Kong were England's final opponents of the day. But the hosts were no match for England - who fielded first for the third time - as they were bundled out for 50. In an easy win, the opening pair of Mascarenhas and Darren Maddy knocked off the runs from only 19 balls.

David Graveney, the England manager, was pleased with his side's performance.

"Some of the boys have played five-over cricket before," he said, "But we are adapting well considering most of the other teams are in their domestic season."

"We have put in some good performances, and Kabir Ali has done well for us after we started slowly."