Skipper Abbas Afridi’s explosive 52 off 11 balls powers Pakistan to victory.
Hong Kong, November 10: Pakistan captured their sixth Hong Kong International Sixes title after defeating Kuwait by 43 runs in a high-scoring final at Mong Kok Stadium on Sunday, ending a 14-year title drought in style.
Afridi’s Explosive Knock Sets the Stage
Opting to bat first after Kuwait chose to field, Pakistan unleashed a batting onslaught, posting 135 for 3 in the allotted six overs one of the tournament’s highest totals.
Captain Abbas Afridi led from the front, smashing a breathtaking 52 runs off just 11 balls, including seven sixes and two fours. His fearless hitting set the tone for Pakistan’s dominance and earned him widespread acclaim as the star performer of the final.
Abdul Samad provided crucial support with a brisk 42 off 13 balls, while Khawaja Nafay chipped in with 22 from six deliveries. Despite losing three wickets, Pakistan maintained a run rate of 22.5 per over, leaving Kuwait with a monumental chase.
Kuwait’s Meet Bhavsar stood out among bowlers, claiming all three wickets for 29 runs.
Kuwait Falters Under Pressure
Chasing 136, Kuwait started aggressively but failed to sustain momentum.
Adnan Idrees struck a rapid 30 off 8 balls, and Meet Bhavsar added 33 from 12, giving early hope to Kuwait’s innings.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their grip midway, triggering a collapse that saw Kuwait dismissed for 92 runs in 5.1 overs.
Young pacer Maaz Sadaqat was Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking 3 for 29, while Muhammad Shahzad, Abdul Samad, and Abbas Afridi claimed one wicket each to seal a comprehensive 43-run victory.
Historic Sixth Title for Pakistan
This win marks Pakistan’s sixth Hong Kong Sixes championship, reaffirming their status as one of the tournament’s most successful teams. Their previous triumph came in 2011, making this victory a long-awaited comeback for the green shirts.
Fans hailed Pakistan’s aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and fearless leadership from Abbas Afridi. His all-round display drew comparisons to Pakistan’s iconic power-hitters of the past.