Afghanistan Stun Australia To Win Maiden Hong Kong Sixes Title

Afghanistan stun Australia to win maiden Hong Kong sixes title© AFP

Afghanistan scripted a memorable chapter in their cricketing history by defeating Australia by four wickets in the Hong Kong Sixes final at Mission Road Ground on Sunday to win their maiden title. Led by Gulbadin Naib, the Afghan side produced a superb batting display in the summit clash, chasing down Australia's 116-run target in just 5.1 overs to become only the eighth nation to lift the prestigious trophy. The victory also capped an unbeaten campaign for Afghanistan, who maintained their winning momentum throughout the tournament before overcoming Australia in the final.

Australia, after opting to bat first, posted 115/4 in their six overs, with Max Bryant leading the charge through a blistering 44 off 14 deliveries. Alex Ross remained unbeaten on 29 from 10 balls, while Nick Hobson smashed 23 off just eight deliveries to help Australia set a competitive target.

Afghanistan, however, made light work of the chase, reaching 119/2 with five balls to spare.

Imran Mir set the tone with a sensational 53 off just 14 deliveries, striking seven sixes and two fours to put Afghanistan firmly in control. Farmanullah Safi then ensured there were no late hiccups, remaining unbeaten on 26 off seven balls, including four sixes at a strike rate of 371.43.

Captain Naib also made a valuable contribution, scoring 17 off six deliveries, including two sixes.

Afghanistan's title-winning campaign began with a three-wicket victory over South Africa in their Group A opener, where they successfully chased down 108.

They followed that up with another four-wicket win against Oman, after restricting their opponents to 120 and completing the chase in 5.2 overs.

The Afghans carried their form into the knockout stage, registering a convincing semi-final victory over Scotland. After posting 121, they restricted Scotland to 100 to secure their place in the title clash.

With the triumph, Afghanistan became the eighth nation to win the tournament, joining Pakistan, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Australia and the West Indies.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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