Afghanistan Script History to Clinch Maiden Hong Kong Sixes 2026 Title
Afghanistan scripted history with a thrilling victory over Australia to claim the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 Cup Division crown.
In a breathtaking finale to the Afghanistan Hong Kong Sixes 2026 tournament, Afghanistan emerged as champions for the first time in their history. The Afghan side staged a sensational run chase to defeat Australia by four wickets, capping off three days of explosive, high-octane cricket in Hong Kong.
Afghanistan's Historic Cup Division Triumph
The final match lived up to the hype, delivering a nail-biting finish that saw Afghanistan lift the Cup Division trophy. The victory was powered by a masterful performance from Imran Mir, who remained unbeaten on 53 runs from just 14 deliveries. Alongside late-game fireworks from Farmanullah Safi, Afghanistan managed to overcome the Australian challenge in a thrilling encounter to secure their maiden title.
India's Last-Ball Drama Against Bangladesh
While Afghanistan took the main glory, Team India ended their campaign on a high note in the Bowl Division Playoff. In a match that went down to the final delivery, India secured a 5-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
Bangladesh had set a formidable target of 117. Their captain, Abu Hider, played a blistering knock, smashing an unbeaten 62 off 18 balls, which included eight sixes. Despite a strong start by Bangladesh, India's Krunal Pandya turned the tide with a clinical spell, taking three wickets in his two overs.
India's chase was spearheaded by Shashank Singh, who hammered 50 runs off 15 balls, and Rahul Tripathi, who contributed 32 off 12. The tension peaked in the final over with 23 runs required, but Rahul Tewatia and Nitish Rana kept their composure to seal the win on the very last ball.
Nail-Biting Finishes in Plate and Bowl Divisions
The tournament's final day was packed with other high-scoring dramas:
- Plate Playoff: The hosts, Hong Kong, China, edged out Sri Lanka by a solitary run. Anshuman Rath (51 off 17) and Babar Hayat (44* off 16) propelled the hosts to 119. Sri Lanka fought back valiantly through Muditha Lakshan (52* off 16) and Sangeeth Cooray (30* off 9), but they fell just one run short of the target.
- Bowl Division: South Africa claimed the Bowl Division title, aided by a rapid half-century from Blake Simpson, who reached the milestone in just 12 balls.
- Cup 3rd Place: Scotland secured third place in the Cup Division after dominating the UAE. Openers Finlay McCreath (30 off 12) and Michael Leask (53 off 11) set the stage, while Jack Jarvis added 38* off 13 to push Scotland to a massive total of 135/1 in 6 overs.