Tournament: Hong Kong International Sixes 2025
Match: Pool A – Afghanistan vs South Africa
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 10:45 AM local time
Venue: Mission Road Ground (Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground), Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Format: Six-a-side, 6 overs per innings
Broadcast: Sony Sports Network, SonyLiv, Cricket Hong Kong YouTube channel
Afghanistan Squad
Afghanistan will be led by experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib in this tournament. The seven-member squad includes wicket-keeper Noor Rahman (listed as Noor Rehman in some sources), dynamic all-rounder Karim Janat, left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf, young all-rounder Farmanullah Safi, 22-year-old Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, and hard-hitting batsman Sediqullah Pacha.
Note: Earlier reports mentioned Ikram Alikhil as vice-captain, but more recent squad announcements from ACB list Noor Rahman Rahmani as the wicket-keeper. This appears to be Afghanistan’s confirmed playing squad.
Afghanistan Confirmed Squad (Source: ACB/Inside Sport India):
- Gulbadin Naib (Captain)
- Noor Rahman Rahmani (Wicket-keeper)
- Karim Janat
- Sharafuddin Ashraf
- Farmanullah Safi
- Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai
- Sediqullah Pacha
South Africa Squad
South Africa will be captained by Warriors all-rounder Jordan Morris. The squad features Western Province players Abdullah Bayomi, Mbulelo Dube, and Kashief Joseph, along with 18-year-old Titans opener Jorich van Schalkwyk, Boland batter Ethan Cunningham, and Dolphins all-rounder Blake Simpson.
Van Schalkwyk made headlines in July when he became the first batter to score a double-century at Under-19 level against Zimbabwe.
South Africa Confirmed Squad (Source: Cricket South Africa/Inside Sport India):
- Jordan Morris (Captain)
- Abdullah Bayomi
- Ethan Cunningham
- Mbulelo Dube
- Kashief Joseph
- Blake Simpson
- Jorich van Schalkwyk
Pitch and Weather Report
November 7 is expected to be the warmest day of the month in Hong Kong, with temperatures around 25.4°C (77.8°F). November typically sees pleasant weather with around 6 hours of sunshine daily and low humidity. The conditions should be perfect for fast-paced cricket with minimal chance of rain.
The Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok will host its first major international tournament action. In the six-over format, expect a batting-friendly surface that encourages aggressive shot-making from the start.
Players to Watch
Batters
| Player | Team | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Gulbadin Naib | Afghanistan | Experienced all-rounder with 160+ international matches. Perfect for the aggressive six-over format |
| Jorich van Schalkwyk | South Africa | 18-year-old sensation who scored a double-century at U-19 level. Fearless young talent |
| Sediqullah Pacha | Afghanistan | 20-year-old hard-hitter suited to the fast-paced format |
| Ethan Cunningham | South Africa | Adds depth to SA batting lineup with aggressive approach |
Bowlers/All-rounders
| Player | Team | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Karim Janat | Afghanistan | Dynamic all-rounder who has represented Afghanistan in all formats |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf | Afghanistan | Left-arm spinner with big-hitting ability – dual threat in six-over cricket |
| Jordan Morris | South Africa | Captain and experienced all-rounder who provides balance |
| Mbulelo Dube | South Africa | Western Province paceman leading the bowling attack |
Tournament Format
The Hong Kong Sixes features teams of six players batting for six overs each. Every fielder except the wicket-keeper must bowl one over, with one player allowed to bowl a second. Batters retire at 50 runs but can return if wickets fall. When five wickets are down, the last batter continues with a runner.
Pool A includes South Africa, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The top two teams from each pool advance to the quarterfinals.
What to Expect
This opening Pool A match promises fireworks. Afghanistan will play Nepal and South Africa in back-to-back matches on Friday, making team management crucial.
Afghanistan brings international experience through Naib and Janat, while their young guns like Pacha add explosive power. South Africa are five-time champions (1995, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2017), though this is a young squad mixing experience with fresh talent.
The six-over format leaves no room for slow starts. Expect both teams to attack from ball one. South Africa’s van Schalkwyk could be the X-factor – his fearless batting at just 18 years old makes him dangerous in this format.
Afghanistan’s spin duo of Sharafuddin and part-timers could be vital on a potentially slow surface later in the day. However, South Africa’s championship pedigree gives them a slight edge.
Match Prediction
Likely Winner: South Africa
South Africa’s experience in this tournament format and their balanced squad gives them an advantage. However, Afghanistan’s international stars could cause an upset if they fire together. In the explosive six-over format, expect a high-scoring thriller where one big over could decide the match.