Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi delivered a stunning all-round performance at the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, smashing six consecutive sixes in an over to lead his team to a thrilling victory over Kuwait on Friday.
Chasing a daunting target of 123, Pakistan pulled off a dramatic win off the final ball, reaching 124 for four to seal the match by four wickets.
Afridi’s explosive knock of 55 not out from just 12 balls featured eight sixes in total, including the remarkable over in which he cleared the ropes six times consecutively. His power-hitting turned the match on its head and electrified the crowd at Mission Road Ground.
Shahid Aziz provided crucial support at the other end, scoring 23 not out from just five balls, ensuring Pakistan crossed the finish line in spectacular fashion.
Earlier, Kuwait had set an imposing total after a strong start. Opener Adnan Idrees smashed 17 off eight deliveries, including two sixes, before Afridi struck early to dismiss him in the second over, leaving Kuwait at 23-1. Bilal Tahir responded with consecutive sixes to lift the score to 35-1, maintaining the momentum.
Meet Bhavsar then took charge, launching a fierce counterattack that saw Mohammad Shahzad’s third over go for 31 runs as Kuwait raced to 66-1. Abdul Samad’s fourth over went for 22 runs, with Bhavsar adding three sixes and a four to his tally.
Maaz Sadaqat finally broke the stand by removing Tahir for 24 off six balls. Usman Patel joined Bhavsar and added more boundaries to push Kuwait past the 100-run mark in the penultimate over.
Afridi returned to bowl the final over, conceding 39 runs as both Patel and Bhavsar continued their onslaught, but his earlier brilliance with the bat ensured Pakistan had the last laugh in a thrilling finish.
