Pakistan reach the Over-40 T20 World Cup final after defeating USA | The Express Tribune

Pakistan cruised into the final of the IMC Over-40s T20 World Cup 2025 after a dominant nine-wicket victory over USA in the semifinal at the National Bank Stadium.

The Green Shirts will now face Australia on Monday, with star all-rounder Shahid Afridi confirmed to feature in the contest.

Pakistan made light work of USA’s 153 run target, chasing it down in just 10.5 overs.

Captain Abdul Razzaq and Humayun Farhat delivered a blistering opening stand of 144 runs.

Humayun Farhat smashed 95 off 35 balls with 13 fours and 6 sixes before falling lbw to Rafi Hashmi.

Razzaq remained unbeaten on 58 off 29 balls, including five fours and five sixes, sealing a comprehensive win.

Earlier, USA posted 152/6 with skipper Muhammad Farrukh top-scoring with 59.

Pakistan’s bowling attack kept the innings in check as Tabish Khan and Zulfiqar Babar impressed with two wickets each. Humayun Farhat was declared the player of the match.

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.