Afghanistan Storm to Maiden Hong Kong Sixes Title, Beat Australia in Thrilling Final

Afghanistan have written a new chapter in Hong Kong Sixes history. On Sunday, November 1, at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, they chased down Australia’s 115/4 with five balls to spare. Gulbadin Naib’s unbeaten side lifted their first title, becoming only the eighth champion nation.

Afghanistan Chase Down Australia in the Cup Final

Australia won the toss and chose to bat. They posted 115/4 in their six overs, a total that looked tough in a format built for chaos.

Max Bryant led the way with 44 off 14 balls. Nick Hobson added 23 off eight deliveries, while Alex Ross finished unbeaten on 29 off 10.

Afghanistan answered with fireworks. They reached 119/2 in just 5.1 overs and won by four wickets.

Imran Mir Turns the Final on Its Head

Imran Mir was the match-winner, smashing 53 off 14 balls. His innings included two boundaries and seven sixes, and it flipped the pressure back onto Australia.

Farmanullah Safi stayed unbeaten on 26 off seven balls, with four sixes at a strike rate of 371.43. Captain Gulbadin Naib chipped in with 17 off six, including two sixes.

Australia’s Innings at a Glance

A Flawless, Unbeaten Run to the Trophy

Afghanistan did not lose a single game in Hong Kong. Their campaign was a steady build-up of confidence, power-hitting and smart chasing.

They opened Group A with a three-wicket win over South Africa, chasing down 108. Then came a four-wicket win over Oman, who were held to 120. Afghanistan finished that chase in only 5.2 overs.

In the semi-final, they posted 121 against Scotland and restricted them to 100. That set up the final against Australia, and the unbeaten run stayed intact.

Joining an Elite List of Champions

The victory puts Afghanistan alongside Pakistan, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Australia and the West Indies. They are now the eighth nation to lift the trophy.

It also shows how Afghanistan’s fearless hitting suits the short, high-pressure Sixes format.

Abbas Afridi Powers Pakistan to Plate Glory

Away from the main final, Pakistan claimed the Plate title with an 18-run win over Oman. They posted 154/4 in six overs.

Captain Abbas Afridi starred with 73 off 16 balls, including one boundary and 11 sixes. He retired before returning to the crease in the final over.

Supporting Hands in Pakistan’s Total

Abdul Samad scored 32 off seven balls, with two boundaries and four sixes. Ahmed Daniyal struck 25 off five, also with four sixes. Khawaja Nafay made seven off three, and Irfan Niazi fell for a first-ball duck.

Oman Fall Short Despite a Blazing Start

Oman finished on 136/4, 18 runs short. Usman Ali hit 67 off 17 balls with four boundaries and eight sixes. Zohaib Amanat made 61 off 18, with three boundaries and eight sixes.

Captain Aamir Kaleem was run out for a duck by Ahmed Daniyal. Oman retired Sami Hassan, Shafiq Jan and Muzahir Khan to keep their leading batters at the crease. Usman later returned after the first wicket fell. The six-time champions finished fifth overall.

Why This Win Matters

This was more than a trophy for Afghanistan. It was a statement of consistency, depth and nerve in a format where one over can change everything.

With a perfect record and a composed chase against a strong Australian side, Afghanistan have announced themselves as a force in short-form cricket.