Kabul – November 1, 2026: Afghanistan delivered an outstanding all-round performance to defeat Australia in a thrilling final and lift the Hong Kong International Sixes 2026 championship trophy.
In the final, Afghanistan
successfully chased down Australia’s target of 115 runs in the last over,
losing just two wickets to secure a convincing four-wicket victory and claim
the title.
Imran Mir led Afghanistan’s chase
with a magnificent unbeaten 53 off just 14 deliveries. Farmanullah Safi
remained unbeaten on 26 off seven balls, while captain Gulbadin Naib
contributed 17 off six deliveries and Karim Janat added 13 off just five balls
to guide Afghanistan to the championship.
Afghanistan began their campaign
with victories over South Africa and Oman in the group stage, finishing at the
top of their group to qualify for the semi-finals. Afghanistan then defeated
Scotland in the semi-final to book their place in the title clash, before
overcoming Australia to be crowned champions.
Afghanistan’s players delivered
impressive individual performances throughout the tournament. Farmanullah Safi
was named Player of the Match for his outstanding batting display of scoring
38* off just 14 balls against South Africa. In the second match, Sediqullah
Pacha smashed an unbeaten 45 off just 10 deliveries to earn the award. Captain
Gulbadin Naib (51* off 16 balls) also produced a brilliant half-century in the
semi-final and was named Player of the Match.
Meanwhile, Karim Janat and
Nangyal Kharoti made valuable contributions throughout the competition, playing
important roles in Afghanistan’s successful title campaign.
Notably, this was only
Afghanistan’s second appearance in the Hong Kong Sixes, and the team have now
lifted the championship trophy in just their second participation in the
tournament.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board
congratulates the players, team management and all Afghan cricket fans on this
remarkable achievement.