Afghanistan created history by winning their maiden Hong Kong International Sixes title after defeating Australia by four wickets in the final on November 1, 2026. Led by Gulbadin Naib, Afghanistan produced an outstanding performance at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, completing an unbeaten campaign to lift the prestigious trophy.
Chasing a target of 116 runs, Afghanistan finished at 119/2 in just 5.1 overs, registering a convincing victory with five balls to spare. Imran Mir emerged as the biggest difference between the two sides, delivering a sensational batting performance under pressure.
Imran Mir and Farmanullah Safi power Afghanistan to victory
Imran Mir was the star of Afghanistan’s successful run chase, smashing an unbeaten 53 off just 14 deliveries. His explosive innings included seven sixes and two boundaries, helping Afghanistan maintain an extraordinary scoring rate throughout the chase.
Farmanullah Safi provided excellent support at the other end, remaining unbeaten on 26 off just seven balls, including four sixes. The duo stitched together a match-winning partnership that completely shifted the momentum in Afghanistan’s favour.
Earlier, captain Gulbadin Naib contributed 17 runs off six deliveries, while Karim Janat scored 13 off five balls. Although Afghanistan lost two early wickets, Mir and Safi ensured there were no further setbacks.
Australia post 115 runs in six overs
Batting first after winning the toss, Australia posted 115/4 in their allotted six overs. Max Bryant top-scored with 44 off just 14 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and four sixes.
Alex Ross remained unbeaten on 29 off 10 balls, while Nick Hobson contributed 23 off eight deliveries. However, Australia’s bowling attack struggled to contain Afghanistan’s aggressive batting approach during the run chase.
Afghanistan complete unbeaten Hong Kong Sixes campaign
Afghanistan’s journey to the championship was impressive, with the team winning both their group-stage matches against South Africa and Oman before defeating Scotland in the semi-final.
The victory against Australia marked Afghanistan’s first-ever Hong Kong Sixes championship, achieved in only their second appearance in the tournament.
The triumph also made Afghanistan the eighth nation to win the competition. Under Naib’s leadership, the team delivered a memorable campaign, with Imran Mir’s match-winning 53 remaining one of the standout performances of the tournament.
