Abbas Afridi-led Pakistan to face debutants Kuwait in HISTORIC Hong Kong Sixes 2025 final
New Delhi: The Hong Kong Sixes 2025 reached its final day on Sunday at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, where two thrilling semifinals paved the way for a historic championship showdown between Pakistan and Kuwait.
In a nail-biting first semifinal, Pakistan narrowly defeated Australia by just one run in a high-scoring encounter to secure their sixth straight final spot. Batting first, Pakistan put up 121/2, powered by Abdul Samad’s brisk 34 off 13 deliveries and Khawaja Nafay’s blistering 50 from 14 balls. Australia’s innings began on a disappointing note with three early dismissals, but skipper Alex Ross (36 off 8) and Chris Green (46 off 12) came close to pulling off a stunning chase.
Needing seven runs from the final two deliveries, Green was run out while attempting a risky second run, giving Pakistan a narrow victory and an opportunity to redeem themselves after falling short in the last three finals.
Debutant Kuwait defeated England in second semi-final
In the second semifinal, debutants Kuwait made history by defeating England by 36 runs to secure a spot in their first-ever Hong Kong Sixes final.
Coming in to bat first, Kuwait posted a total of 142/5, thanks to Meet Bhavsar’s impressive 62 off 15 balls. England fought through James Coles unbeaten 55 (18) but could only manage 105/3, falling well short of the target.
Pakistan will eye their sixth Hong Kong Sixes title
The final now sets up an exciting contest, with Pakistan eyeing their sixth Hong Kong Sixes title and Kuwait aiming to script history in their debut campaign.
Both Pakistan and Kuwait met earlier in the group stage, where Pakistan won the match, but Kuwait will be determined to settle the score in the all-important final.
Meanwhile, India’s campaign ended on a disappointing note. After opening with a DLS victory against Pakistan on Day 1, they went on to face defeats against Kuwait, UAE, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, finishing their journey without a win in the Bowl stage.