Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4 in a thrilling contest on Friday to reach the Miami Open final, where he will face world number three Jannik Sinner.
Dimitrov, the 11th seed, utilised his forehand to devastating effect throughout the match, making just three unforced errors to take the first set.
Fourth seed Zverev regained some control in a tight second set, serving with accuracy to deny Dimitrov any opportunities to break before clinching the tie-break to level the match.
Dimitrov took his tally of winners up to 44 in the decider as he defended a breakpoint and then took the lead at 4-3 before confidently settling the match on serve for his first win over Zverev since 2014.
“It was like a dogfight on both ends; we really went after each other,” said Dimitrov, whose victory will see him return to the top 10 for the first time since 2018.
“He upped his game in the second set. In the third set, he also had a chance, but I served well.”
In Sunday’s final, Dimitrov will face Sinner, who powered past defending Miami Open champion Daniil Medvedev 6-1 6-2 to reach the final for the second year in a row.
SINNER’S HOT STREAK CONTINUES
When Medvedev beat Sinner to claim the Miami title 12 months ago, he extended his head-to-head record over the Italian to 6-0.
But since then, the second seed has enjoyed the upper hand as he has delivered the knockout blow on five successive contests, including a five-set thriller in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
There was no such drama on Hard Rock Stadium court as Sinner delivered a clinical performance to end Medvedev’s challenge in 69 minutes.
“I felt great on court today. Usually, the more you go on in a tournament, the more comfortable you feel, and I’m very happy about today’s performance,” Sinner said after reaching the Miami final for the third time in four years.
“I don’t think Daniil felt too well today; he made a lot of mistakes he usually doesn’t make.
“For me, it is an important tournament if I can get it good; if not, I have another great chance.”
Sinner, whose only loss this season was a semi-final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in Indian Wells two weeks ago, becomes the first player this season to reach three finals.
The Italian had Medvedev under pressure right from the gun with three break chances on the Russian’s opening service game, converting on a blistering forehand winner for a 2-0 lead.
The third-seeded Russian would finally hold serve at 5-1 but only delayed the inevitable, as Sinner bagged a high-quality opening set without committing a single unforced error.
Baffled and lost for ideas, Medvedev could do nothing to slow the rampaging Sinner, who kept his foot firmly on the gas with another break to open the second set, which left the World Number four staring across the net with a stunned look.
he fireworks continued in the Hong Kong Sixes 2024 on the final day of the tournament. Sri Lanka were crowned champions after they defeated neighbours Pakistan by 3 wickets.
Being out into bat, Pakistan were bowled out for 72 in 5.2 overs. Muhammad Akhlaq top-scored with 48 off 20. Later, Pakistan bowlers did create some pressure in the starting of the chase but the Lankan lions soon pushed the paddle.
Sandun Weerakkody chipped in with a 13-ball 34 while captain Lahiru Madushanka (19 off 5) and Tharindu Ratnayake (16* off 4) made valuable contributions to take the side home.
Earlier, in the day, Australia’s Dan Christian smashed 6 sixes in one over against Pakistan’s Asif Ali in the Cup Semi Final. The Asian side had started off the proceedings with the ball in a steady way but Dan Christian helped the Aussies put up 107/1 in 6 overs. He ended up getting 42*off 10.
Later, Pakistan batters unleashed a stunning show with the bat and chased down the target in 5.5 overs to win the match by 4 wickets and register a place in the final. Muhammad Akhlaq scored 32 off 10 while Asif Ali struck 32 off 8.
The rest of the job was done by Faheem Ashraf (19* off 9) and Aamer Yamin (24* off 8). Sri Lanka made it to the final of the tournament after defeating Bangladesh in a close encounter in the semi-final. The Bangla tigers were bundled out for 103 after Tharindu Rathnayake picked up four wickets.
Sri Lanka were then off to a good start in the chase after Sandun Weerakkody scored fifty before retiring. But Bangladesh did make a comeback and picked up a couple of wickets in quick succession. Sri Lanka needed 14 runs in the final over and they went over the line by 3 wickets.
England and Oman locked horns with each other in the Bowl final.
Oman took away the win by 4 wickets after chasing down a target of 124 runs. Batting first, England put up 123/1 in 6 overs after Ravi Bopara and Jordan Thompson struck fifties before retiring.
Oman got a perfect start to the chase as openers Asif Khan (47* off 17) and Vinayak Shukla (38 off 12) stitched a stand of 75 runs for the first wicket. Oman eventually completed the target in 5.5 overs to win the Bowl final.
The Plate Final was played between South Africa and UAE. The Proteas scored 96/4 after JJ Smuts remained unbeaten at 67 off 18 and then the bowlers unveiled a brilliant show with the ball. UAE were restricted to 95/4 and lost by 1 run.
The Hong Kong Sixes 2024 moved into the third and final day but the tournament continued to produce some brilliant performances and exciting encounters. While Oman clinched a win against India, the highlight of the day was the special women’s exhibition match to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The final day of the tournament began with the Bowl Match 5 between England and New Zealand. Batting first, England put up 116/4 in 6 overs after Ravi Bopara struck 62* off 15. In reply, the Kiwis were restricted to 108/2. Siddhesh Dixit top-scored for his side with 45 off 18. England won by 8 runs.
Next, it was hosts Hong Kong up against South Africa in the Plate Semi Final 1. Hong Kong could manage 92/4 in 6 overs and it took the Proteas chase down the target in 5.3 overs. Wicket-keeper batter Modiri Litheko struck 41 off 15 for the side as South Africa clinched a win by 4 wickets.
The Plate Semi Final 2 was played between Nepal and UAE. Bibek Yadav’s 49 off 16 helped the side to put 94/3 in 6 overs. Later, UAE captain Asif Khan notched up 55 off 15 before retiring and the side eventually won by 5 wickets.
India locked horns with Oman in the Bowl Match 6. The Men in Blue rode on Robin Uthappa’s 52 off 13 and Bharat Chipli’s 32 off 11 to put up 119/3 in 6 overs. Robin Uthappa retired after scoring a fifty. The Oman batters then took on the Indian bowling unit and chased the target down in 4.2 overs to win by 6 wickets. Asif Khan remained unbeaten at 46 off 12 and Vinayak Shukla struck 54 off 11 before retiring.
The special women’s exhibition match that was played to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China between Hong Kong, China Women and Chinese Women saw Hong Kong, China clinching a win against China. Hong Kong put up 61/0 in 6 overs and then restricted the opponents to 36/3 to win the match by 25 runs.
Hong Kong Cricket is excited to announce a star-studded lineup of commentators and presenters for the highly anticipated and thrilling Hong Kong Sixes 2024 tournament which is scheduled to take place from November 1 to November 3 at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground, featuring 12 teams, competing in six-a-side matches. Fans can watch all the action Live on Star Sports Network and Fancode.
The competition that has made a return after seven years promises to be an exhilarating showcase of cricketing talent, and our expert team is ready to deliver all the action live. The starry list of commentators includes the likes of Dominic Cork, Brad Hogg, Niall O’Brien and Ryan Campbell.
Dominic Cork, a former England cricketer who retired in 2011, is now a dynamic cricket speaker known for his insightful commentary and bowling expertise.
Former Australia cricketer and legendary spinner, Brad Hogg enjoyed a distinguished 25-year playing career before transitioning into a popular media personality and commentator. He is well known for his bold predictions and in-depth analysis of the game.
Niall O’Brien is a former Ireland international cricketer who has a profound understanding of the game and is celebrated for his engaging commentary style. He was known for his aggressive batting style during his playing days.
Former Australian international and Hong Kong representative, Ryan Campbell has also served as the head coach of the Netherlands. His insights into both Full Member and associate teams make him a valuable addition to this commentary team.
Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Suren Sundaram and Nashpreet Kaur will be the part presenters’ team. Suren Sundaram is an Indian radio jockey, TV presenter, and sports anchor. He brings his expertise and charm to our coverage, which will enhance the viewing experience.
A former first-class and IPL cricketer turned TV presenter, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala possesses a passion for cricket and a talent for engaging storytelling, keeping fans entertained and informed.
Nashpreet Kaur is known for her vibrant personality and charisma. Nashpreet will guide viewers through the tournament, ensuring an engaging experience.
Don’t miss a moment of the action! Tune in to Star Sports and Fancode to catch all the thrilling matches of the Hong Kong Sixes 2024, featuring 12 teams competing for glory. Join us as we celebrate cricket in its most exciting form! The broadcast begins at 8:15 AM (Hong Kong Time) and 5:45 AM (IST).