Afghanistan Defeats Australia to Secure Maiden Hong Kong Sixes Title
Led by Gulbadin Naib, the Afghan team chased down a target of 116 with five balls remaining on Sunday at the Mission Road Ground.
Afghanistan achieved a major upset on Sunday by defeating Australia by four wickets in the final of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 at the Mission Road Ground, claiming the tournament championship for the very first time in history.
After winning the coin toss and electing to bat first, Australia put up a total of 115 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted six overs. Opening batsman Max Bryant led the charge with a rapid knock of 44 runs from 14 deliveries.
Bryant's explosive innings included four boundaries and four maximums. Additional contributions came from Nick Robson, who added 23 runs, and Alex Ross, who remained unbeaten with 29 runs.
Australian captain Chris Green finished the innings by hitting a maximum off the only delivery he faced. On the bowling side for Afghanistan, Karim Janat completed two overs and claimed two wickets while conceding 27 runs.
In response, the Afghan opening pair of Karim Janat and captain Gulbadin Naib were dismissed quickly, leaving the team struggling at 32 runs within the initial two overs.
However, a match-winning partnership quickly shifted momentum. Farmanullah Safi and Imran Mir teamed up for a crucial third-wicket stand, putting together 87 runs off just 21 deliveries.
Imran Mir played a stellar unbeaten innings, scoring 53 or 56 runs depending on match reports, off 14 balls, which included multiple sixes to anchor the chase.
With support from Safi, the Afghan side successfully crossed the finish line with five deliveries to spare, sealing a historic victory and their maiden Hong Kong Sixes title.