Australia cruised into the semi-finals of the Hong Kong International Sixes Tournament after thrashing Bangladesh by 54 runs in the first quarter-final today. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Australia amassed a mammoth 149 for 2 in their allotted six overs, while Bangladesh could only manage 95 for 5 in reply.
Australia’s explosive batting display
The match, held at Mong Kok, saw a brutal onslaught from the Australian batters, who hit the Bangladeshi bowlers all over the park. Ben McDermott set the tone early with a blazing 51 off just 14 balls, smashing eight sixes before retiring out. Skipper Alex Cross followed suit, hammering 50 from 11 deliveries with seven sixes and one four before also retiring hurt. William Bosisto chipped in with 30 off 6 balls, ensuring Australia posted a near-unattainable total.
Bangladesh’s bowlers had little to celebrate. Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan leaked 24 runs in the opening over, including two wides, though he managed to dismiss opener Jack Wood. Mosaddek Hossain, who bowled the second over, conceded 25 runs but claimed Bosisto’s wicket. Thereafter, Bangladesh failed to take another wicket. Abu Haider’s third over was the most economical, giving away 18 runs, while Habibur Rahman’s fifth over went for 34 runs as Cross cleared the boundary five times. The final over, bowled by Haider, cost 28 runs, rounding off a punishing innings.
| Team | Overs | Wickets | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 6 | 2 | 149 |
| Bangladesh | 6 | 5 | 95 |
Bangladesh collapse under pressure
Chasing a daunting target, Bangladesh’s reply started disastrously. Chris Green struck three times in the very first over, dismissing Habibur Rahman, captain Akbar Ali, and Jisan Alam to leave Bangladesh reeling. Mosaddek Hossain fell in the second over, reducing the side to 28 for 4 after two overs.
Amid the carnage, Abu Haider Rony fought a lone battle, smashing 50 not out off 18 balls with seven sixes and two fours. Rakibul Hasan supported briefly with 25 off 10 deliveries, but the target was always well out of reach.
Semi-final showdown: Australia vs Pakistan
With this commanding win, Australia secured their spot in the semi-finals, where they will face Pakistan, who beat South Africa by five wickets in the day’s second quarter-final.
Pakistan chased down 102 for 3 in just 3.5 overs, courtesy of an extraordinary display from Abdul Samad, who bludgeoned 50 not out off 10 balls, featuring eight sixes. His partner, Khaja Nafay, contributed 36 off 13 balls. In the final over, bowled by Jordan Morris, Samad smashed five consecutive sixes to seal victory.
Tomorrow’s semi-final between Australia and Pakistan promises to be a high-octane battle between two power-hitting sides in dazzling form.