Mong Kok, November 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Afghanistan created history on Sunday by defeating Australia by four wickets in the Cup final to claim their maiden Hong Kong Sixes title at the Mission Road Ground.
Led by Gulbadin Naib, Afghanistan produced a stunning batting performance in the final, chasing Australia’s target of 116 in just 5.1 overs to lift the prestigious trophy for the first time. The victory also completed an unbeaten campaign for the Afghan side.
Batting first after winning the toss, Australia posted 115/4 in their allotted six overs. Max Bryant led the scoring with a blistering 44 off 14 deliveries, while Alex Ross remained unbeaten on 29 off 10 balls. Nick Hobson also made a quickfire 23 from just eight deliveries.
Afghanistan, however, made the chase look effortless, reaching 119/2 with five balls to spare.
Imran Mir provided the explosive start with 53 off just 14 deliveries, smashing seven sixes and two boundaries to put Afghanistan firmly in control.
Farmanullah Safi then finished the job in style, remaining unbeaten on 26 from seven balls, including four sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 371.43. Captain Naib also contributed 17 off six deliveries, hitting two sixes.
Afghanistan’s title-winning campaign began with a three-wicket victory over South Africa in their Group A opener, where they chased down a target of 108. They followed it up with a four-wicket win against Oman after restricting their opponents to 120 and completing the chase in 5.2 overs.
The Afghans carried their winning momentum into the knockout stage, defeating Scotland convincingly in the semi-final. After posting 121, they restricted Scotland to 100 to book their place in the final.
With this triumph, Afghanistan became the eighth nation to win the Hong Kong Sixes, joining Pakistan, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Australia and the West Indies on the tournament’s winners’ list.
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