Pakistan to face Oman in Hong Kong Sixes Plate final
Pakistan’s cricket team secured their spot in the Plate final of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 after defeating the host nation, Hong Kong, by five wickets at the Mission Road Ground on Saturday.
Strong batting powers Pakistan’s victory
Hong Kong set a target of 107 runs, posting 106 for 3 in their six overs. Key contributions came from Anshy Rath (37), Nizakat Khan (38), and Nasrulla Rana (16). Despite an expensive over conceding 16 runs, Irfan Khan took two crucial wickets for Pakistan, while Ahmed Daniyal claimed one.
Pakistan’s chase was swift and commanding, accomplished in just 4.3 overs. Captain Abbas Afridi led the charge with a remarkable 55 runs from only 13 balls, including seven sixes and three fours. Khawaja Nafay supported well, scoring 34 runs off 10 balls, hitting four sixes and two fours. After Abbas Afridi’s departure, Abdul Samad quickly contributed 17 runs off four deliveries to seal the victory.
Context and significance for Pakistan cricket
Pakistan, six-time champions and the current title holders of the Hong Kong Sixes, had already been eliminated from contention for the main Cup after finishing second in Group C. Now, the team is poised to compete for the Plate trophy, with Oman awaiting as their final opponent on Sunday.
This performance underscores Pakistan’s resilience in shorter formats and their ability to stage strong comebacks in multi-stage tournaments. For Pakistani cricket fans, this offers a chance to witness emerging players like Abbas Afridi showcasing explosive batting skills in a fast-paced environment.
