Pakistan maintained their unbeaten start in the Over-40s T20 competition with a convincing 57-run victory over Hong Kong at the National Bank Stadium Karachi. Batting first, Pakistan posted 192 for 4 as a rapid half-century from Fawad Alam set the tone and earned him Player of the Match honours.
The Pakistan innings featured a brisk 56 off 28 balls from Fawad Alam, supported by a measured 46 off 27 from Tariq Mahmood to push the total past 190. Hong Kong managed 135 for 6 in reply, with Mohammad Suleman picking up 3 for 35 and Zulfiqar Babar finishing with 2 for 16 as Pakistan’s bowlers applied crucial pressure.
At Southend Club the UAE produced one of the day’s standout performances when Malik Qamar Abbas compiled the tournament’s first century, an unbeaten 100 off 57 deliveries including 11 fours and five sixes, to guide the UAE to a five-wicket win over West Indies after the Caribbean side had posted 139 for 5.
Rest of the Gulf chased down Zimbabwe’s modest 107 for 9 at Karachi Gymkhana with four wickets in hand and three overs to spare, while in front of a lively crowd at the National Stadium a determined USA batting display saw them reach 174 to overhaul Sri Lanka’s 173 for 8. Suneth Sampath and Anwar Ahmad both struck important half centuries during the successful chase.
South Africa delivered the tournament’s most dominant display, bowling Canada out for just 64 at Karachi Gymkhana before chasing the total without loss. Nathaniel Howard led the charge with a five-wicket haul and was named Player of the Match for his destructive spell.
At Southend Club Australia posted 151 for 7 and then restricted a Rest of the World XI to 108, sealing a 43-run victory. Across Karachi venues the Over-40s T20 schedule produced a mix of individual brilliance and team depth, with Pakistan and several other sides setting early tones as the tournament progresses.
