Pakistan reclaimed the Hong Kong International Sixes title after 14 years with a commanding 43-run victory over Kuwait in the final at Mong Kok on Sunday.
Skipper Abbas Afridi’s blistering 52 off just 11 balls led Pakistan to their sixth tournament triumph, marking a triumphant comeback since their last win in 2011.
Batting first after Kuwait elected to field, Pakistan posted a massive 135 for 3 in six overs. Captain Abbas Afridi’s explosive innings — featuring seven sixes and two fours — set the tone for the win.
Abdul Samad added a quick 42 off 13 balls, while Khawaja Nafay scored 22 off six deliveries. Despite losing three wickets, Pakistan maintained a remarkable run rate of 22.5 per over.
Kuwait’s Meet Bhavsar was the standout bowler, claiming all three wickets for 29 runs in two overs.
Kuwait falters under pressure
Chasing a target of 136, Kuwait started strong but quickly lost momentum. Opener Adnan Idrees smashed 30 runs off 8 balls, while Bhavsar contributed 33 off 12. However, Pakistan’s bowlers tightened control midway through the innings, dismissing Kuwait for 92 runs in 5.1 overs.
Maaz Sadaqat was Pakistan’s bowling hero, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs. Muhammad Shahzad, Abdul Samad, and Abbas Afridi claimed one wicket each to seal a comfortable victory.
Pakistan’s sixth Hong Kong sixes triumph
This victory marks Pakistan’s sixth Hong Kong Sixes championship, reaffirming their dominance in the tournament’s history. The team’s last title win came in 2011, making this triumph a long-awaited comeback.
Fans celebrated the team’s aggressive batting and sharp bowling display. Abbas Afridi’s captaincy drew special praise for his fearless approach, both as a leader and a power-hitter.
