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Hong Kong, November 9, 2025: Pakistan delivered a stunning all-round performance to clinch the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 title, defeating Kuwait by a commanding 44 runs at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Sunday. The thrilling final showcased explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and the trademark flair of Pakistan’s young guns.
Pakistan’s Power-Packed Start
Opting to bat first, Pakistan wasted no time setting the tone for the final. Abdul Samad opened the innings in spectacular fashion, smashing Yasin Patel’s second delivery for six over long-on. Patel’s nerves showed as he followed with three wides, gifting Pakistan early momentum.
His partner, Khawaja Nafay, immediately joined the assault, dispatching his very first ball for six. The opening over ended with an astonishing 26 runs, leaving Kuwait shell-shocked.
In the next over, Kuwait hit back briefly when Meet Bhavsar dismissed Nafay for a blistering 22 off just six balls, featuring two fours and two sixes. Pakistan were 33-1 in just 1.4 overs but showed no signs of slowing down.
Afridi and Samad Take Control
Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi arrived at the crease and instantly shifted the pressure back onto Kuwait. He launched consecutive sixes to take Pakistan to 45-1, while Abdul Samad continued his onslaught from the other end.
By the third over, Samad had powered Pakistan past the 50-run mark with a combination of boundaries and towering sixes. The pair’s fearless stroke play turned the match decisively in Pakistan’s favor.
By the end of the fourth over, Pakistan were cruising at 95-1, thanks to Samad’s three consecutive sixes in the fourth over and Afridi’s aggressive hitting. The run rate soared above 20 per over — a clear statement of intent in this short-format spectacle.
Quick Wickets, But Momentum Unbroken
Kuwait managed to grab two quick wickets in the fifth over. Bhavsar, who had earlier dismissed Nafay, struck again to remove Samad for a brilliant 42 off 13 balls, including two fours and five sixes. Soon after, Shahid Aziz fell for a duck, reducing Pakistan to 95-3 in 4.3 overs.
However, the setback did little to slow them down. Maaz Sadaqat joined skipper Afridi, contributing a boundary to push the score past 100. The stage was set for a fireworks-filled finale.
Afridi’s Blazing Finish
The final over saw a breathtaking display from Abbas Afridi, who unleashed his full power. Smashing two fours and seven sixes, Afridi hammered a record-breaking 52 off just 11 balls, propelling Pakistan to a colossal 136 runs — a target rarely seen in the Sixes format.
The Pakistan camp erupted in celebration as Afridi’s bat turned the final into a one-sided affair, with the skipper leading from the front in stunning style.
Kuwait’s Fiery Start Fizzles Out
Kuwait began their chase confidently. Adnan Idrees took on Shahid Aziz, clearing the ropes twice in the first over, including one off a wide ball. Aziz’s over went for a massive 32 runs, briefly giving Kuwait hope.
However, Pakistan regrouped quickly. Mohammad Shahzad dismissed Idrees for a quickfire 30 off eight balls (five sixes), halting Kuwait’s momentum. The score read 33-1 in 1.3 overs — still on pace, but with mounting pressure.
Bilal Tahir chipped in with a six before falling cheaply, while Bhavsar continued to fight, striking boundaries to keep Kuwait’s chase alive.
Sadaqat’s Spell Turns the Game
The turning point came when Maaz Sadaqat took charge with the ball. His tight, clever bowling disrupted Kuwait’s rhythm, as he picked up three crucial wickets, nearly achieving a hat-trick after trapping Mohamed Shafeeq LBW with the first ball of his third over.
Bhavsar remained Kuwait’s lone warrior, hitting timely boundaries, but Sadaqat’s accuracy restricted Kuwait to just 18 runs in the penultimate over. The equation ballooned to 44 needed from the final over — an impossible task.
Samad Seals the Victory
With Kuwait struggling at the crease, Abdul Samad returned to bowl the final over and wrapped things up decisively. He dismissed the remaining batters to bowl Kuwait out for 92, sealing Pakistan’s emphatic 44-run victory and the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 Championship.
A Commanding Triumph
Pakistan’s win was a display of power-hitting, smart bowling, and fearless cricket — qualities that have long defined their brand in limited-overs formats. Captain Abbas Afridi’s all-round brilliance and Abdul Samad’s explosive start proved decisive, while Maaz Sadaqat’s tight bowling ensured Kuwait never recovered from mid-innings setbacks.
The victory marks a historic moment for Pakistan cricket at the Sixes tournament, showcasing their young talent and reinforcing their reputation as one of the most entertaining teams in world cricket.
Final Scorecard:
- Pakistan: 136/3 (6 overs)
- Abbas Afridi 52*(11), Abdul Samad 42(13), Khawaja Nafay 22(6)
- Kuwait: 92 all out (5.5 overs)
- Adnan Idrees 30(8), Meet Bhavsar 28(10)
- Maaz Sadaqat 3/18, Abdul Samad 2/12
