Afridi Fifty Powers Pakistan to Dominant Hong Kong Sixes 2025 Triumph
HONG KONG :Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to defeat Kuwait by 43 runs and secure the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 trophy at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Sunday, clinching the title for a record sixth time.
Pakistan’s victory was built on an explosive batting display that saw them post a formidable total, spearheaded by a blistering half-century from skipper Abbas Afridi.
Batting first, Pakistan got off to a blazing start. Opener Abdul Samad immediately signaled their intent by smashing a six off the second delivery of the opening over, which saw Kuwait’s Yasin Patel struggle under pressure, conceding 26 runs. Khawaja Nafay continued the momentum with a six off his first ball, contributing a rapid 22 off six balls before being dismissed by Meet Bhavsar.
Captain Abbas Afridi then took charge, hitting back-to-back sixes to accelerate the score. Samad maintained the aggression, pushing Pakistan past the 50-run mark in just 2.2 overs. By the end of four overs, Pakistan were in a commanding position at 95-1, thanks in part to Samad’s three consecutive sixes in the fourth over.
Samad’s brilliant innings ended at 42 off 13 balls (two fours, five sixes), but Afridi provided a spectacular finish. The final over was a fireworks display as Afridi scored a blazing 52 not out off just 11 deliveries, an innings featuring two fours and seven towering sixes, propelling Pakistan to a final total of 136.
Chasing the daunting target of 137, Kuwait started strongly as Adnan Idrees launched an early assault, taking 32 runs off Shahid Aziz’s opening over. Mohammad Shahzad struck back for Pakistan in the second over, dismissing Idrees for a quickfire 30 off eight balls, which included five sixes.
Kuwait attempted to stay in the contest with contributions from Bilal Tahir and Meet Bhavsar, but the tide turned decisively with the introduction of Maaz Sadaqat. Sadaqat delivered a precise spell, claiming three quick wickets, including dismissing Mohamed Shafeeq LBW on the first ball of his third over, narrowly missing a hat-trick.
Despite Bhavsar’s efforts to keep Kuwait’s hopes alive with crucial boundaries, Sadaqat limited the damage, leaving Kuwait needing an improbable 44 runs from the final over. Abdul Samad finished the job in the sixth over, dismissing Kuwait for 92 runs, securing the 43-run victory and the championship title for Pakistan.
The win marks Pakistan’s dominance in the tournament, adding the 2025 trophy to their collection and cementing their status as the most successful team in Hong Kong Sixes history.
