Pakistan beat England to win fourth Hong Kong Sixes title

Pakistan have successfully defended the Hong Kong Sixes title that they won at the Kowloon Cricket Club Ground in 2001 after seeing off a strong challenge from England in Sunday's final. The three-wicket win that Moin Khan's men secured gave them their fourth Hong Kong Sixes title.

The hero of the Pakistan win was Naved Latif, who made 31 before retiring. The 26-year-old batsman plundered 15 runs off England's star bowler of the tournament Chris Silverwood to turn the match in his side's favour. Silverwood, who had bowled two of the meanest overs of the tournament in the matches leading up to the final, conceded 21 runs in all as Pakistan were left needing a manageable 14 runs off the final over, bowled by Adam Hollioake.

Their win became a foregone conclusion when Latif smashed a six off the third ball before retiring. Yasir Arafat, who replaced him, did not have to do much with England conceding four byes off the next ball to bring the match to an end.

Earlier, captain Matthew Maynard and Hollioake made 20 and 35 respectively to guide their team to a 81-1.

Maynard, who had taken a leaf out of Moin Khan's book by deciding to bat after winning the toss, was run out after making 20. Hollioake, for his part, made 35 before retiring, as England ensured that they would at least make Pakistan sweat for their victory.