Afghanistan clinch maiden Hong Kong Sixes 2026 title with four-wicket win over Australia

At the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 on November 1, Afghanistan lifted the Cup Division title for the first time, defeating Australia by four wickets in the final. Chasing a target of 116, Afghanistan reached 119 for 2 in just 5.1 overs to complete a commanding victory.

Imran Mir was the standout performer with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 53 off only 14 balls to anchor the chase. Farmanullah Safi provided crucial support, remaining not out at the other end with a rapid contribution off 7 balls. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib also contributed 17 off 6 balls earlier in the innings, helping set the platform for the final assault.

Australia had posted 115 for 4 in their allotted 6 overs batting first. Max Bryant led their effort with 44 off 14 balls, while Alex Ross added 29 not out off 10 balls and Nick Hobson chipped in with 23 off 8 balls. Despite a competitive total, Australia's bowlers could not contain Afghanistan's aggressive batting.

Afghanistan became the eighth nation to win the Hong Kong Sixes tournament. Their triumph came at the end of an unbeaten campaign throughout the event, which included victories over Oman and South Africa in the group stage and a win over Scotland in the semi-final.

How did the rest of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 divisions finish?

Beyond the Cup Division final, the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 produced results across multiple divisions on the same day. Pakistan claimed the Plate Division title, adding another piece of silverware for the tournament's competing nations.

South Africa, despite losing to Afghanistan in the group stage, went on to win the Bowl Division title. Scotland, who fell to Afghanistan in the semi-final of the Cup Division, secured third place in that division. India also featured on the final day, defeating Bangladesh in a last-ball victory to close out their campaign.

In the Plate Playoff, China edged out Hong Kong by just 1 run in a tight finish, rounding off a competitive day of Sixes cricket across all divisions.

What made Afghanistan's campaign at Hong Kong Sixes 2026 notable?

Afghanistan went through the entire Hong Kong Sixes 2026 without suffering a single defeat, making them the standout side of the tournament. Their group-stage wins over Oman and South Africa demonstrated consistent batting firepower, and they carried that form into the knockout rounds.

The semi-final victory over Scotland set up the final against Australia, where Imran Mir's 53 off 14 balls proved decisive. His innings, combined with Farmanullah Safi's unbeaten knock off 7 balls and Naib's 17 off 6 balls, meant Afghanistan overhauled Australia's 115 for 4 with more than an over to spare.

Becoming the eighth country to win the Hong Kong Sixes marks a significant milestone for Afghanistan in the short format. The unbeaten run across all three stages of the Cup Division underlines the depth and striking ability within their current squad.