Afghanistan scripted a historic chapter in their cricketing story on Sunday, 1 November 2026, defeating Australia by four wickets in the Hong Kong Sixes Cup final at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok to lift the prestigious trophy for the very first time. Chasing a target of 116, the Afghan side completed the job in just 5.1 overs, finishing at 119/2 with five balls to spare.

The triumph made Afghanistan only the eighth nation in history to win the Hong Kong Sixes, joining an elite list that includes Pakistan, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Australia and the West Indies. It also capped an entirely unbeaten campaign for the Afghan side throughout the tournament.

Australia's Strong Total Falls Short

Batting first, Australia posted a competitive 115/4 in their allotted six overs. Max Bryant top-scored with a blistering 44 off 14 deliveries, providing the early impetus. Alex Ross contributed an unbeaten 29 off 10 balls, while Nick Hobson chipped in with a quickfire 23 off eight deliveries to help Australia set what appeared to be a stiff challenge.

Imran Mir's Blitz Powers Afghanistan Home

Afghanistan's reply was electrifying. Imran Mir set the tone with an astonishing 53 off just 14 deliveries, hammering seven sixes and two boundaries to put the chase firmly on track. Farmanullah Safi then sealed the deal, remaining unbeaten on 26 off seven balls — including four sixes at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 371.43. Captain Gulbadin Naib contributed a cameo of 17 runs off six deliveries featuring two sixes, ensuring no wobble in the middle order.

Afghanistan's Unbeaten Road to the Title

Afghanistan's path to the final was equally dominant. They opened their Group A campaign with a three-wicket win over South Africa, successfully chasing 108. A second four-wicket victory — this time against Oman, who were restricted to 120 with the chase wrapped up in 5.2 overs — followed. In the semi-final, Afghanistan posted 121 before dismissing Scotland for 100 to book their place in the final.

Historic Significance for Afghan Cricket

This victory carries outsized meaning for Afghan cricket, a programme that has grown rapidly from associate-nation status to a full Test-playing side within two decades. Notably, winning the Hong Kong Sixes in an unbeaten run signals not just skill but temperament — a quality that has defined Afghanistan's rise on the international circuit. The title adds to a growing list of milestones for a nation where cricket has become a source of national pride amid extraordinary circumstances.

With this win, Afghanistan will look to carry the momentum into upcoming bilateral and multi-nation assignments.