Naib's Blazing Fifty Sends Afghanistan Into Hong Kong Sixes Cup Final

Afghanistan booked their place in the Hong Kong Sixes Cup final on Saturday, beating Scotland by 21 runs in the second Cup semi-final at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok. Captain Gulbadin Naib led from the front with an unbeaten 51 from just 16 balls, striking three fours and six sixes as Afghanistan posted 121 for four from their six overs. Scotland, who had reached the semi-finals by beating Sri Lanka, could not keep pace with the chase despite Jack Jarvis making 54 from 17 balls. They finished on 100 for three, with Karim Janat taking one for 16 from his two overs and Naib himself claiming a wicket. Naib was named player of the match for his all-round contribution. The result sets up a Cup final against Australia on Sunday. Australia had earlier beaten hosts UAE by 53 runs in the first semi-final, with Max Bryant and Nick Hobson doing the early damage. Afghanistan had already shown their six-hitting power earlier in the day, chasing 121 against Oman in just 5.2 overs, and they will now go into the final as the tournament's form side.