Tournament: Hong Kong International Sixes 2025
Match: Plate, 2nd Semi-Final
Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
Time: 10:05 AM Local Time (2:05 AM GMT)
Venue: Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Format: Six-a-side, 6 overs per innings
Toss: Not yet available
Tournament Context
Both Hong Kong and Afghanistan enter this Plate Semi-Final after losing their quarter-final matches. The four quarter-final losers compete in the Plate semi-finals, with winners advancing to the Plate final.
Afghanistan defeated Nepal by 17 runs in their Pool A opening match, scoring 112 runs in six overs. They later thrashed South Africa by 49 runs with Gulbadin Naib scoring an unbeaten 50. However, Afghanistan lost to Kuwait by 4 wickets in their quarter-final, scoring just 87 runs.
Hong Kong finished third in Pool D and competed in the Bowl competition before reaching the Plate Semi-Finals.
Expected Playing XIs
Hong Kong (Likely XI)
Source: Tournament squad list from ESPNcricinfo and official announcements
- Ehsan Khan – Bowler
- Yasim Murtaza (c) – Allrounder
- Nizakat Khan – Allrounder
- Aizaz Khan – Allrounder
- Anshuman Rath – Top-order batter
- Babar Hayat (wk) – Batter
Bench options: Nasrulla Rana (bowling allrounder), Jason Lui, Zeeshan Ali (wicketkeeper)
Note: These lineups are based on the official squad list. The final XI will be confirmed at the toss.
Afghanistan (Likely XI)
Source: Afghanistan Cricket Board announcement via The Tribune and ESPNcricinfo
- Gulbadin Naib (c) – Batting allrounder
- Sharafuddin Ashraf – Allrounder
- Karim Janat – Batting allrounder
- Farmanullah – Allrounder
- Sediqullah Pacha – Middle-order batter
- Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai – Allrounder
Bench options: Noor ul Rahman
Note: Based on Afghanistan’s tournament squad. Ikram Alikhil was named vice-captain but may be rested.
Players to Watch
| Team | Batter | Why Watch | Bowler | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Babar Hayat | Experienced Hong Kong batter who provides stability in the middle order | Ehsan Khan | Skilled bowler who can control the run rate in the short format |
| Hong Kong | Anshuman Rath | Top-order batter with ability to provide quick starts | Aizaz Khan | Allrounder who offers bowling variations |
| Afghanistan | Gulbadin Naib | Scored unbeaten 50 against South Africa and captain with 160+ international matches | Sharafuddin Ashraf | Left-arm orthodox spinner with big-hitting abilities |
| Afghanistan | Karim Janat | Scored 35 off 10 balls against Nepal, dynamic allrounder across all formats | Farmanullah | Promising young allrounder who has impressed in domestic competitions |
What to Expect
This Plate Semi-Final brings together two teams looking to finish the tournament on a positive note. Afghanistan enters as favorites based on their strong group stage performances, particularly their 49-run victory over South Africa where they posted 148 runs.
Veteran allrounder Gulbadin Naib brings experience with over 160 matches across ODIs and T20Is, making him a key player for Afghanistan. His leadership and ability to contribute with both bat and ball will be crucial.
Hong Kong will rely on home advantage and their experienced players like Babar Hayat and Nizakat Khan. The six-over format means every ball counts, and early wickets could swing the match either way.
The Mission Road Ground has seen high-scoring matches throughout the tournament, so expect aggressive batting from both sides. Batsmen must retire not out on reaching 31 runs but can return if other wickets fall, which adds an interesting tactical element.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan likely holds the edge based on their tournament performances and the presence of players like Karim Janat and Farmanullah who have delivered match-winning performances. However, Hong Kong’s home ground familiarity and the unpredictable nature of six-over cricket means this should be an entertaining contest.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win, but expect Hong Kong to make it competitive.
How to Watch
All matches are telecast live on Sony Sports 5 and streamed on FanCode for viewers in India. Fans outside India can watch the live action on the official Cricket Hong Kong YouTube channel.