Afghanistan won the Cup Division title for the first time on November 1 at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, defeating Australia by four wickets in the championship match. Afghanistan completed a decisive victory by reaching 119 for 2 in just 5.1 overs while chasing a target of 116.
Imran Mir was the most impressive batsman, anchoring the chase with an undefeated 53 off just 14 balls. Farmanullah Safi gave vital support, contributing quickly off seven balls while staying out at the other end. Earlier in the innings, Afghanistan’s captain Gulbadin Naib added 17 off 6 balls to help lay the groundwork for the last attack.
Australia had batted first and scored 115 for 4 in their allotted 6 overs. Nick Hobson contributed 23 off 8 balls, Alex Ross added 29 not out off 10 balls, and Max Bryant led the way with 44 off 14 balls. Australia’s bowlers were unable to stop Afghanistan’s aggressive batting, even with a competitive total.
Afghanistan won the Hong Kong Sixes competition, making it the eighth country to do so. Their victory came at the end of an undefeated campaign that included group stage wins over South Africa and Oman as well as a semi-final victory over Scotland.
The Hong Kong Sixes 2026 produced results in several divisions on the same day, aside from the Cup Division final. Pakistan won the Plate Division title, giving the tournament’s participating nations another trophy.
South Africa won the Bowl Division title even though they lost to Afghanistan in the group stage. Scotland finished third in the Cup Division after losing to Afghanistan in the semi-finals. On the last day, India played as well, finishing their campaign with a last-ball victory over Bangladesh.
A competitive day of Sixes cricket across all divisions concluded with China defeating Hong Kong by just 1 run in the Plate Playoff.
What was noteworthy about Afghanistan’s 2026 Hong Kong Sixes campaign?
Afghanistan was the most impressive team in the competition as they went through the entire Hong Kong Sixes 2026 without losing. They showed steady batting firepower in their group-stage victories over South Africa and Oman, and they continued that performance into the knockout stages.
Imran Mir’s 53 off 14 balls proved to be crucial in the final match against Australia after the team defeated Scotland in the semi-final. With more than an over remaining, Afghanistan defeated Australia’s 115 for 4 thanks to his innings, Farmanullah Safi’s undefeated knock off 7 balls, and Naib’s 17 off 6 balls.
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Afghanistan has achieved a noteworthy milestone in the short format by becoming the eighth nation to win the Hong Kong Sixes. Their current squad’s depth and striking ability are highlighted by their undefeated run in all three Cup Division stages.
