Retour
Afghanistan produced an impressive performance to beat Australia in the final of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, capping off an entertaining campaign with the tournament trophy. The six-a-side competition at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok delivered plenty of explosive batting and thrilling finishes, with Afghanistan and Australia emerging as the two strongest contenders for the Cup title.
Led by Gulbadin Naib, Afghanistan showcased their aggressive batting approach and ability to handle pressure throughout the tournament. Australia, meanwhile, entered the final in formidable form after producing some commanding performances in the earlier rounds.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first in the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 final. With only six overs available per innings, the Australian batters needed to attack from the beginning and make the most of every scoring opportunity.
Australia finished their innings on 115/4 in six overs, setting Afghanistan a target of 116 runs to win the championship. The total gave Australia a competitive chance, particularly given the fast-paced nature of the format, where a couple of wickets can quickly change the momentum. Opening batter Max Bryant top-scored for the Men in Yellow with 44 runs off 14 balss, while Alex Ross scored unbeaten 29 in just 10 deliveries. Nick Hobson made 23 off 8 at number 4.
However, Afghanistan entered the chase with confidence after demonstrating their ability to score quickly throughout the tournament.
Afghanistan’s response was built around aggressive strokeplay and an impressive scoring rate. Although the team lost two early wickets, Imran Mir and Farmanullah Safi combined to put the chase back on track.
Mir played an explosive innings, remaining unbeaten on 53 off just 14 deliveries. His knock included 7 sixes and 2 fours, highlighting his ability to clear the boundary with remarkable consistency.
Safi provided equally valuable support, scoring 26 from seven balls, including four sixes. The pair stitched together a rapid partnership that brought Afghanistan within touching distance of the target.
Captain Naib also contributed 17 runs from six deliveries before being dismissed by Chris Green. Despite his departure, Afghanistan maintained their attacking approach through Mir and Safi.
A moment of gratitude after a moment of glory. 🇦🇫#TurnItUpToSix #HongKongSixes #M品牌活動#大型體育活動事務委員會#政府資助計劃 #MMarkEvents #MajorSportsEventsCommittee pic.twitter.com/7VMMO1sCdG
— Cricket Hong Kong, China (@CricketHK) November 1, 2026
The partnership between Mir and Safi proved crucial as Afghanistan moved towards the target at an extraordinary scoring rate. The Afghans eventually completed the chase in 5.1 overs.
Afghanistan pulls off a sensational chase to win the Grand Final by 4 wickets 🏆#TurnItUpToSix #HongKongSixes #M品牌活動#大型體育活動事務委員會#政府資助計劃 #MMarkEvents #MajorSportsEventsCommittee pic.twitter.com/kINbc997tZ
— Cricket Hong Kong, China (@CricketHK) November 1, 2026