Pakistan Reach Hong Kong Sixes Plate Final
Pakistan defeated hosts Hong Kong by five wickets in the second Plate semi-final of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, to reach the Hong Kong Sixes Plate final against Oman. The win keeps alive the defending champions’ hopes of a title at this year’s event, even though the main Cup is already out of reach.
Geo reported that Pakistan chased down Hong Kong’s 107-run target in just 4.3 overs, losing five wickets in the process. Captain Abbas Afridi once again led from the front with a rapid half-century.
Hong Kong’s innings: 106 for 3
Batting first, Hong Kong posted 106 for 3 in their allotted six overs, with contributions from Anshy Rath, Nizakat Khan and Nasrulla Rana. Nizakat top-scored for the hosts with 38 off just 10 deliveries, featuring one four and five sixes, while Anshy struck 37 from 15 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes.
Nasrulla provided a late flourish with 16 off three deliveries, hitting one four and two sixes. Opening batter Babar Hayat contributed 12 from six balls, including three boundaries, while captain Yasim Murtaza was dismissed for a duck.
For Pakistan, Irfan Khan claimed two wickets despite conceding 16 runs in his solitary over, while Ahmed Daniyal picked up one wicket.
Pakistan’s chase: Afridi leads again
In reply, Pakistan chased down the 107-run target in just 4.3 overs. Captain Abbas Afridi led from the front with 55 off just 13 deliveries, smashing three fours and seven sixes. Khawaja Nafay provided valuable support with 34 from 10 balls, including two fours and four sixes.
After Afridi retired on 55, Abdul Samad contributed a quickfire 17 off four deliveries, striking one four and two sixes to complete the chase and secure Pakistan’s place in the Plate final.
Afridi’s innings continued a remarkable tournament for the captain, after his 53 off 13 balls against the UAE in the group stage and his 35 off eight balls in the win over India.
How Pakistan ended up in the Plate
Six-time champions and defending title-holders Pakistan had earlier been eliminated from contention for the main Cup trophy after finishing second in Group C. Pakistan were knocked out of the Cup race despite a convincing victory over arch-rivals India, because a narrow opening-match defeat to the United Arab Emirates proved costly under the tournament’s format.
Pakistan suffered a last-ball defeat against the UAE in their opening fixture on Friday. Batting first, the Green Shirts posted 106 for 3 in their six overs, with Afridi smashing a half-century of 53. The UAE pulled off a remarkable chase, reaching the 107-run target on the final delivery to register a one-wicket victory.
Pakistan bounced back against India, restricting them to 88 for 5 before completing the chase in just 3.5 overs, finishing at 91 for 2. Khawaja Nafay spearheaded that run chase with an aggressive 41, while Afridi chipped in with a rapid 35.
However, Pakistan’s hopes of progressing to the main Cup semi-finals ended after the UAE defeated India to finish top of Group C. Under the tournament format, only group winners qualify for the main Cup semi-finals, while the runners-up advance to the Plate semi-finals and the third-placed teams compete in the Bowl semi-finals. The UAE won both their group matches to finish unbeaten and secure the only main Cup semi-final berth from Group C, leaving Pakistan to compete in the Plate category.
The Hong Kong Sixes Plate final: what happens next
Frequently asked questions
Who did Pakistan beat in the Plate semi-final?
Hosts Hong Kong, by five wickets, after chasing down a 107-run target in 4.3 overs at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok.
Who will Pakistan face in the Plate final?
Oman, in Sunday’s Plate final on November 1.
How did Abbas Afridi perform against Hong Kong?
Afridi scored 55 off 13 deliveries, with three fours and seven sixes, before retiring. Khawaja Nafay supported him with 34 off 10 balls.
Why are Pakistan in the Plate and not the Cup?
Only each group winner reaches the main Cup semi-finals. The UAE won both their Group C matches to take the single place, so Pakistan, as runners-up, dropped into the Plate competition.
