Pakistan kept their silverware hunt alive at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 on Saturday, storming into the Plate final with a ruthless chase against the hosts at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok. Chasing 107, the defending champions did not lose a single wicket and wrapped up the Plate semi-final in just 4.3 overs, with nine balls to spare.
The result sets up a Plate final against Oman on Sunday, giving Pakistan a shot at a trophy on the closing day of the tournament. For a side that arrived in Hong Kong as six-time champions and defending title-holders, it was the emphatic response they needed after a mixed group stage.
Afridi’s blitz: 55 runs off 13 balls
The chase was a one-man demolition job. Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi walked out and tore into the Hong Kong attack, smashing 55 off just 13 deliveries — three fours and seven sixes — at a strike rate of over 423. His onslaught effectively ended the contest before it had begun.
Afridi retired on 55, but the carnage continued. Khawaja Nafay, in fine touch all tournament, supported with a crisp 34 off 10 balls featuring two fours and four sixes, before Abdul Samad finished the job in style — 17 not out off only four deliveries, with one four and two sixes.
Pakistan finished on 107 without loss in 4.3 overs at a staggering run rate of 23.78 per over. Afridi was named Player of the Match for the second standout batting display of his tournament.
Hong Kong’s brave resistance falls short
Hong Kong had won the toss decision — Pakistan elected to bowl first — and the hosts gave their home crowd plenty to cheer. Nizakat Khan led the charge with a blistering 38 off just 10 balls, including one four and five sixes, while wicketkeeper Anshuman Rath compiled an unbeaten 37 off 15 deliveries with four boundaries and three sixes.
Babar Hayat chipped in with 12 off six balls and Nasrulla Rana provided a late flourish with 16 not out off three deliveries, lifting the hosts to 106 for three in their six overs.
For Pakistan, Irfan Khan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 16 runs in his single over, including the key scalp of Nizakat Khan, caught by Abdul Samad. Ahmed Daniyal picked up the other wicket to fall. But the 107 target proved far too small against a batting line-up in this mood.
Plate final against Oman on Sunday
Pakistan found themselves in the Plate division after finishing second in Group C. They opened the tournament with a heartbreaking last-ball defeat to the United Arab Emirates — Pakistan posted 106 for three before the UAE chased 107 on the final delivery, thanks to Khalid Shah’s 71 off 20 balls.
The green shirts bounced back in style, restricting arch-rivals India to 88 for five before chasing the target in 3.5 overs. But with only group winners progressing to the main Cup semi-finals, Pakistan’s route to silverware went through the Plate — and they have taken it with both hands.
The UAE, who topped Group C, fell short in the Cup semi-final, beaten by 53 runs by Australia. Pakistan, meanwhile, now face Oman in Sunday’s Plate final with momentum firmly on their side — and with Afridi and Nafay both in explosive form, the defending champions will fancy their chances of lifting a trophy on finals day.
The Hong Kong Sixes, a six-a-side, six-overs-per-innings tournament known for its short boundaries and frantic finishes, has once again delivered drama — and Pakistan, the most successful side in its history, remain in the hunt.
Sources: ESPN Cricinfo; Geo Super.
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