Afghanistan Clinches Historic Hong Kong Sixes Title with Thrilling Victory Over Australia

Afghanistan Makes History at Hong Kong Sixes 2026

In a remarkable achievement, Afghanistan triumphed over Australia by four wickets to secure their first-ever Hong Kong Sixes title on November 1. The final day of the tournament showcased explosive batting, nail-biting finishes, and impressive performances across various divisions.

The third day of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 was nothing short of spectacular, featuring explosive batting displays, several half-centuries, and thrilling last-ball finishes. Afghanistan's Imran Mir played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 53 runs off just 14 balls, while Farmanullah Safi's late fireworks propelled the team to victory in the Cup Division, concluding the three-day event on a high note.

South Africa also shone brightly, with Blake Simpson's rapid 12-ball half-century leading them to the Bowl Division title. Meanwhile, Scotland claimed third place in the Cup Division. Team India wrapped up their tournament with a dramatic last-ball win against Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, China narrowly defeated Sri Lanka by just one run in a tense Plate Playoff.

Afghanistan's thrilling run chase against Australia culminated in a historic 4-wicket victory, marking a memorable conclusion to the Hong Kong Sixes.

In the Bowl Division Playoff, Team India achieved a nail-biting 5-wicket victory over Bangladesh, successfully chasing down a target of 117 runs on the final ball. Bangladesh got off to a flying start, scoring 24 runs in the first over, but India’s Krunal Pandya made a significant impact by taking three wickets in his two-over spell.

Bangladesh's captain, Abu Hider, led his team with an explosive unbeaten 62 runs off just 18 balls, helping them reach 116 runs in 6 overs. In response, Shashank Singh and Rahul Tripathi set the tone with a 69-run opening partnership, with Tripathi scoring 32 off 12 balls. Shashank continued his impressive form, hitting 50 runs off 15 balls, including a boundary and seven sixes. With 23 runs needed in the final over, Rahul Tewatia and Nitish Rana held their composure to secure a thrilling last-ball victory for India.

In the Plate Playoff, Hong Kong, China faced Sri Lanka, where the hosts made a strong start with openers Babar Hayat and Anshuman Rath putting together an 85-run partnership. Anshuman scored 51 runs off 17 balls, while Babar contributed 44 runs off 16 balls. Hong Kong, China set a target of 120 runs, but Sri Lanka fought back with a strong partnership between Sangeeth Cooray and Muditha Lakshan, who added 77 runs for the fourth wicket. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka fell short by just one run.

Scotland secured third place in the Cup Division by defeating UAE in the playoff match. After being asked to bat first, Scotland's openers Finlay McCreath and Michael Leask dominated the innings, with Leask scoring a remarkable 53 runs off just 11 balls. Scotland finished with a total of 135 runs, while UAE managed only 90 runs in response.

In the Women's Exhibition Match, Hong Kong, China Women claimed a 25-run victory over China Women Stars, with Natasha Miles leading the scoring with 34 runs off 25 balls.

In the Bowl Division Final, South Africa faced England, where Blake Simpson's explosive batting helped secure a comfortable victory for the Proteas.

In the Plate Division Final, Pakistan outperformed Oman by 18 runs, with Abbas Afridi leading the charge with a stunning 73 runs off just 16 balls.

The Cup Final saw Afghanistan's epic run chase against Australia, where they successfully chased down a target of 116 runs, with Imran Mir's outstanding performance sealing their historic victory.