Mong Kok, November 1,2026: Afghanistan were crowned champions of the Hong Kong International Sixes 2026 after defeating Australia by four wickets in an exciting final at Mission Road Ground on Sunday.
The Afghans produced an impressive all-round performance throughout the three-day tournament, capping their campaign with a memorable victory to lift their maiden Hong Kong Sixes trophy.
Batting first after winning the toss, Australia posted a challenging 115-5 in their allotted six overs.
Max Bryant led Australia’s batting with a blistering 44 off just 14 deliveries, including four fours and four sixes. Nick Hobson contributed 23 off eight balls, while Alex Ross remained unbeaten on 29 off 10 deliveries.
In reply, Afghanistan produced an explosive batting display to chase down the 116-run target in just 5.1 overs, finishing at 119-2 with five balls to spare.
Imran Mir was the star of the final, smashing an unbeaten 53 off just 14 deliveries, including seven sixes. Farmanullah Safi provided excellent support with an unbeaten 26 off seven balls, while captain Gulbadin Naib chipped in with 17 off six deliveries.
The triumph marked Afghanistan’s first-ever Hong Kong Sixes title, making them the eighth different country to win the tournament.
Afghanistan’s road to the championship was equally impressive. They defeated South Africa and Oman in the group stage before overcoming Scotland by 21 runs in the Cup semi-final to book their place in the final.
Australia secured their place in the title decider after defeating the United Arab Emirates by 53 runs in the other semi-final.
Scotland claimed third position after defeating the UAE by 45 runs in the third-place play-off. The Scots had topped Group B by beating Bangladesh and Sri Lanka before their campaign ended with a semi-final defeat against Afghanistan.
The UAE finished fourth following an impressive campaign that included group-stage victories over Pakistan and India before their semi-final loss to Australia.
Pakistan, the six-time champions, finished fifth overall after winning the Plate competition, while Oman secured sixth position. Both teams entered the Plate competition after failing to qualify for the Cup semi-finals.
Hosts Hong Kong secured seventh place after edging Sri Lanka by one run in the seventh-place play-off, leaving the Islanders eighth in the final standings.
South Africa claimed ninth position by defeating England in the Bowl final, with the English side finishing tenth.
India finished 11th after beating Bangladesh by five wickets in their final placement match, while Bangladesh ended the tournament in 12th place.
