Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Kuwait by 43 runs and clinch the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 title at Mission Road Ground on Sunday.
A breathtaking display of power-hitting led by Abbas Afridi, followed by a composed bowling effort headlined by Maaz Sadaqat, ensured Pakistan lifted the trophy in emphatic fashion.
Sent into bat, Pakistan signaled their intent from the opening ball. Abdul Samad launched Yasin Patel for a towering six early in the first over, while the bowler struggled for control, conceding multiple wides. Khawaja Nafay joined the assault, clearing the ropes first ball, helping Pakistan smash 26 runs in the opening over.
Kuwait responded when Meet Bhavsar removed Nafay for a rapid 22 off 6 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes), but the breakthrough offered little relief. Captain Abbas Afridi walked in and immediately shifted momentum again with back-to-back sixes, driving Pakistan to 45-1 inside two overs.
Samad continued to attack, striking a boundary and a six to push Pakistan beyond 50 inside 14 balls. His assault peaked in the fourth over when he clattered three consecutive sixes, powering the score to a commanding 95-1.
Kuwait finally broke through when Bhavsar dismissed Samad for a blazing 42 off 13 deliveries (2 fours, 5 sixes), and Shahid Aziz fell shortly after. But the innings belonged to Afridi, who exploded in the final overs. He hammered 52 off just 11 balls, smashing 7 sixes and 2 fours, lifting Pakistan to a formidable 136/3 at the end of their six overs.
Kuwait start quickly, but Sadaqat swings the match
Kuwait began their chase aggressively, with Adnan Idrees launching Shahid Aziz for two early sixes as the first over leaked 32 runs, placing Pakistan momentarily under pressure.
However, Mohammad Shahzad struck in the second over to remove Idrees for a fiery 30 (8 balls, 5 sixes), halting Kuwait’s early surge. Bilal Tahir added a six before also falling, while Bhavsar kept the chase breathing with calculated strokes.
But the turning point arrived with Maaz Sadaqat, whose disciplined line and variations dismantled Kuwait’s middle order. He claimed three wickets across his spell, including trapping Mohamed Shafeeq LBW first ball in his third over. Kuwait’s scoring momentum dried up, leaving them needing 44 from the final over, an impossible task.
Abdul Samad finished the game, picking up the final wicket as Kuwait were bowled out for 92, sealing Pakistan’s 43-run victory.