Afghanistan Smash Their Way to a Maiden Hong Kong Sixes Title Against Australia

Afghanistan are Hong Kong Sixes champions for the first time, beating Australia by four wickets in a breathless Cup final at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Sunday. Chasing 116, the Afghans raced to 119 for 2 in just 5.1 overs to complete an unbeaten tournament run.

Australia, batting first after winning the toss, posted 115 for 4 in their six overs, with Max Bryant's 44 off 14 balls leading the way. But the chase was over almost before it began: Imran Mir hammered an unbeaten 53 off just 14 deliveries, including seven sixes, while Farmanullah Safi finished it off with 26 not out off seven balls.

Captain Gulbadin Naib, who chipped in with 17, lifted the trophy as Afghanistan became only the eighth nation to win the famous six-a-side event, joining Pakistan, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Australia and the West Indies. Pakistan, meanwhile, claimed the Plate title with an 18-run win over Oman.

An unbeaten week

Afghanistan never lost a game all tournament, beating South Africa and Oman in the group stage before knocking out Scotland in the semi-final. The final was their most emphatic statement yet — a chase finished with five balls to spare.

The six-hitting show

In a format built for maximum hitting, Mir's 14-ball fifty was the perfect distillation of the event: seven sixes, two fours, and a final that barely lasted half an hour.

Source: CricTracker / IANS