Tournament: Hong Kong International Sixes 2025
Date: November 7, 2025 (Today)
Time: 8:00 AM local time
Venue: Mission Road Ground (Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground), Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Pool: Pool A
Format: Six players per side, six overs per innings
Toss: Yet to take place
Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (TV), Sony LIV (streaming), Cricket Hong Kong YouTube
Tournament Format
The Hong Kong Sixes is one of cricket’s most exciting formats. Each team has only six players. The innings lasts just six overs (36 balls). Every fielder except the wicketkeeper must bowl one over, with one player allowed to bowl two overs (but not back-to-back).
Batters must retire when they score 50 runs, but they can return if wickets fall. When five wickets are down, the last batter continues with a runner. The game is designed for big hitting and fast action.
Afghanistan Squad (Confirmed)
Source: Afghanistan Cricket Board, Tribune India, Inside Sport India
Afghanistan is making their Hong Kong Sixes debut with a strong seven-member squad:
- Gulbadin Naib (Captain)
- Ikram Alikhil
- Karim Janat
- Sharafuddin Ashraf
- Farmanullah Safi
- Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai
- Sediqullah Pacha
Note: Some sources mention Noor Rahman Rahmani instead of Ikram Alikhil. The most recent official sources from Afghanistan Cricket Board list Ikram Alikhil.
Nepal Squad (Confirmed)
Source: Cricket Association of Nepal, Tribune India, Inside Sport India
Nepal returns to the Hong Kong Sixes with veteran leader Sharad Vesawkar playing his final tournament:
- Sharad Vesawkar (Captain)
- Sundeep Jora
- Lokesh Bam
- Basir Ahamad
- Adil Alam
- Rashid Khan
- Rupesh Singh
Note: This is Sharad Vesawkar’s farewell appearance for Nepal after making his first-class debut in 2004.
Players to Watch
Top Batters
| Player | Team | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulbadin Naib | Afghanistan | Captain, All-rounder | Experienced international player with power-hitting skills |
| Sharad Vesawkar | Nepal | Captain, All-rounder | Playing his final tournament, motivated for strong finish |
| Sediqullah Pacha | Afghanistan | Middle-order | Young hard-hitter, age 20, exciting domestic talent |
| Sundeep Jora | Nepal | Top-order | 24-year-old leading Nepal’s batting charge |
Key Bowlers
| Player | Team | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karim Janat | Afghanistan | All-rounder | Experienced in all formats, can bowl pace |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf | Afghanistan | Spinner | Left-arm orthodox, controls middle overs |
| Rashid Khan | Nepal | Bowler | Nepal’s own spinner (not the famous Afghan) |
| Rupesh Singh | Nepal | Bowler | Key to Nepal’s bowling attack |
Weather and Pitch
Weather Forecast (November 7, Hong Kong):
The temperature in Hong Kong on November 7 is expected to reach around 25.4°C (77.8°F) with pleasant conditions. November in Hong Kong typically sees comfortable weather with average temperatures around 21°C and humidity around 67%. Clear conditions are likely, perfect for an outdoor cricket match.
Pitch Report:
The Mission Road Ground (also called Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground) in Mong Kok will host the match. In the six-over format, the pitch typically favors batters with boundaries being shorter. Expect high-scoring games with plenty of boundaries and sixes.
What to Expect
This opening Pool A match brings together two exciting teams. Afghanistan arrives as debutants but brings serious international experience. Captain Gulbadin Naib and all-rounder Karim Janat have played at the highest level. Their team blends youth and experience perfectly.
Nepal, meanwhile, carries emotional weight. This is captain Sharad Vesawkar’s farewell tournament after representing Nepal since 2004. His leadership and experience will inspire the team. Nepal has competed in Hong Kong Sixes before and knows the format well.
The six-over format means every ball counts. One big over can change the game completely. Afghanistan’s all-round strength gives them an edge on paper. But Nepal’s experience in this tournament and Vesawkar’s motivation could level the playing field.
Both teams will aim to score quickly from the start. With only 36 balls per innings, there’s no time to settle in. Expect boundaries from ball one. The team that handles pressure better will likely win.
Afghanistan’s spin duo of Sharafuddin Ashraf and potentially Karim Janat could be crucial. Nepal must negotiate spin carefully. On the other hand, Nepal’s experienced players know how to pace an innings in this format.
Prediction
Afghanistan enters as slight favorites due to their international experience and all-round depth. Gulbadin Naib’s captaincy and Karim Janat’s all-round skills give them strong options. Their young players like Sediqullah Pacha are fearless hitters perfect for this format.
However, Nepal should not be underestimated. Sharad Vesawkar’s farewell tour could inspire something special. If Nepal’s batters fire and their bowlers execute well, they can definitely upset Afghanistan.
Expected Winner: Afghanistan by a close margin
Key Battle: Gulbadin Naib vs Sharad Vesawkar – two experienced all-rounders leading from the front
Both teams will advance if they finish in the top two of Pool A, with South Africa being the third team. This opening match sets the tone for their tournament.
How to Watch
- TV (India): Sony Sports Network
- Streaming: Sony LIV app/website
- Free Streaming: Cricket Hong Kong YouTube channel
- Match Start: 8:00 AM Hong Kong time / 5:30 AM IST
The Hong Kong Sixes 2025 runs from November 7-9 with 12 teams competing. All matches will be broadcast live, giving fans worldwide a chance to watch this thrilling format.