Pakistan crush USA to reach Over-40s T20 World Cup final

Pakistan stormed into the final of the Over-40s T20 World Cup after outclassing the United States by nine wickets in a one-sided semifinal played in Karachi on Saturday. 

Batting first in the second semifinal, the USA posted a competitive total of 153 runs, setting Pakistan a target of 154 for victory.

Pakistan made a dominant start as captain Abdul Razzaq and opener Humayun Farhat put together an explosive 144-run opening partnership.

Humayun Farhat was the standout performer, smashing a scintillating 95 off just 35 balls before finally being dismissed.

The Green Shirts comfortably chased down the target in the 11th over, losing only one wicket in the process and sealing their place in the championship decider.

In the second semifinal, Australia defeated South Africa by five wickets, chasing down 152 in the 19th over. 

Nasir Jalil (41 off 23) starred with the bat, while Brenton Edwards produced a standout all-round performance, picking up three wickets for 28 and scoring 21 off 13 and was deservedly named player of the match.

In other matches played on Saturday, UAE defeated the Rest of the World by three wickets, chasing a 158-run target in the final over after Harshad Ghodke’s impressive 74 had lifted the Rest of the World to 157 for five.

At the Southend Club Cricket Stadium, Zimbabwe recorded a seven-wicket win over the West Indies, who posted 177 for six with Antonnel Atwell scoring a half-century, before Berti Erasmus powered the chase with a brisk 63. 

In the remaining playoff fixtures, Rest of the Gulf edged Hong Kong China by two wickets while chasing 157 in the 19th over and Canada secured a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, comfortably overhauling the 140-run target on the back of a commanding 76 from Sabir Sheikh.

In next matches, USA will play South Africa for third position at National Bank Stadium. 

UAE and Rest of Gulf will clash with each other for 5th position at National Bank Stadium. 

Rest of the World vs Hong Kong China will play for seventh position at Moin Khan Academy Ground. Zimbabwe and Canada will take on each other for ninth position at Moin Khan Academy Ground. 

West Indies and Sri Lanka will lock horns for the 11th position at Southend Club Cricket Stadium.

The Cup Final will be played on Monday at the National Bank Stadium starting at 12:00 noon, where Pakistan—unbeaten throughout the tournament—will take on Australia. 

The match will receive an additional boost with the participation of legendary former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who will be in action for the title decider.