Afghanistan beat Australia to win maiden Hong Kong Sixes title

Afghanistan won its first Hong Kong Sixes title, beating Australia by four wickets in the Cup final after chasing down a target of 116 in 5.1 overs. Afghanistan finished on 119 for 2, completing an unbeaten tournament campaign, according to reports of the team’s results. Australia made 115 for 4 in its six overs after choosing to bat. Max Bryant led the innings with 44 runs from 14 balls. Nick Hobson added 23 from eight balls, while Alex Ross scored an unbeaten 29 from 10. Afghanistan’s chase included early contributions from captain Gulbadin Naib, who made 17 from six balls, and Karim Janat, who scored 13 from five. Imran Mir and Farmanullah Safi then took control with an unbroken partnership, carrying the team to victory with five balls to spare. Mir made an unbeaten 53 from 14 balls, including seven sixes, while Safi finished not out on 26 from seven balls, with four sixes. The final result gave Afghanistan its maiden championship and made it the eighth nation to win the tournament, according to match coverage. Afghanistan reached the final after defeating Scotland in the semifinal. Its group-stage campaign included wins over South Africa and Oman. Reports said the team did...