Pakistan's campaign at the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 got off to a spectacular start, highlighted by captain Abbas Afridi's astonishing feat of hitting six sixes in a single over against Kuwait.
Pakistan chased
down Kuwait's 123/2 with Afridi finishing unbeaten on 55 off 12 balls, including the six sixes in the penultimate over that turned the game around dramatically. Shahid Aziz also contributed with a quickfire 23 not out off 5 balls, securing a last-ball victory for Pakistan at 124/2.
In Pool D, defending champions Sri Lanka faced hosts Hong Kong, China. Sri Lanka managed only 79/5 in their six overs, as Hong Kong's bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Hong Kong comfortably chased the target in just 3.4 overs, winning by eight wickets. Captain Yasim Murtaza led the charge with 26 not out off 8 balls, and Aizaz Khan smashed an unbeaten 44 off just 10 balls.
Pool A saw Afghanistan edge out Nepal by 17 runs in an entertaining contest. Afghanistan posted 112/5, boosted by Karim Janat's 35 off 10 balls and Farmanullah Safi's unbeaten 30 off 9. Nepal's Rashid Khan took a memorable hat-trick, but despite captain Sundeep Jora's blazing 53 off 14 deliveries, Nepal fell short at 95/2.
India will be up against Pakistan in a group stage match today, as Dinesh Karthik-led India look for a winning start against the arch rivals.
