Afghanistan stun Australia to claim maiden Hong Kong Sixes title

Afghanistan made history by capturing their maiden Hong Kong Sixes title after defeating Australia by four wickets in an exciting final at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Sunday.

Chasing a challenging target of 116, Afghanistan reached 116-2 in just 5.1 overs, completing the victory with five balls remaining. Australia had earlier posted 115-4 in their allotted six overs after opting to bat first.

Max Bryant led Australia’s batting effort with an explosive 44 off just 14 deliveries, featuring four fours and four sixes. Nick Hobson contributed 23 from eight balls, while Alex Ross remained unbeaten on 29 off 10 deliveries to help Australia set a competitive total.

Afghanistan’s chase got off to a difficult start as captain Gulbadin Naib and Karim Janat were dismissed early, leaving the side at 32-2 However, Imran Mir and Farmanullah Safi turned the game around with a powerful partnership.

Safi smashed 26 from just seven balls, including four sixes, while Mir delivered a match-winning performance with an unbeaten 53 off only 14 deliveries. His explosive innings featured two fours and seven sixes, with the winning shot coming off the first ball of the final over.

The victory marked a historic achievement for Afghanistan, who lifted their first-ever Hong Kong Sixes championship after an impressive run chase.