Afghanistan defeated Nepal by 17 runs in their opening match of the Hong Kong International Sixes tournament at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok on November 7, 2025. Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted 112 runs in their 6-over innings. Despite a fighting 53 from captain Sundeep Jora off just 14 balls, Nepal could only manage 95/2 in their chase, falling short by 17 runs in this high-scoring Pool A encounter.
Sources: Makalu Khabar, Cricket.com, ESPNcricinfo
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 112 | 6.0 | 5 | Won by 17 runs |
| Nepal | 95 | 6.0 | 2 | Lost |
Target: 113 runs
Venue: Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Match: Pool A, Hong Kong International Sixes 2025
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karim Janat | Afghanistan | Batsman | 35 runs (10 balls, 3 fours, 10 sixes) |
| Farmanullah | Afghanistan | All-rounder | 30* runs (9 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes) – Player of the Match |
| Rashid Khan | Nepal | Bowler | 4 wickets for 27 runs (2 overs) |
| Sundeep Jora | Nepal | Batsman (Captain) | 53 runs (14 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) – Retired hurt |
| Gulbadin Naib | Afghanistan | All-rounder (Captain) | 22 runs (10 balls) |
Sources: Match scorecard data verified from provided statistics and Cricket.com
Key Moments
- Afghanistan’s explosive start: Karim Janat smashed 35 runs off just 10 balls with 10 sixes, giving Afghanistan a flying start
- Captain’s contribution: Gulbadin Naib added a quick-fire 22 runs before falling in the third over
- Rashid Khan’s bowling blitz: Nepal’s Rashid Khan destroyed Afghanistan’s middle order, taking 4 wickets in just 2 overs including a hat-trick (dismissing Sediqullah Pacha, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai in consecutive deliveries)
- Farmanullah’s crucial finish: The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 30 runs, ensuring Afghanistan crossed the 100-run mark
- Jora’s valiant effort: Nepal captain Sundeep Jora played brilliantly, scoring 53 runs at a strike rate of 378.57 before retiring hurt
- Afghanistan’s tight bowling: Despite Nepal’s strong start, Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting Nepal to 95/2
Match Analysis
Afghanistan showed their strength in the six-over format with a balanced performance. Their innings featured explosive hitting from Karim Janat at the top, followed by important contributions from captain Gulbadin Naib and the finishing touch from Farmanullah Safi, who earned the Player of the Match award.
Nepal’s bowling attack was impressive, particularly Rashid Khan who claimed four crucial wickets including a hat-trick. However, their batting effort, despite Sundeep Jora’s heroics, fell 18 runs short of the target. The loss of Lokesh Bam in the fourth over and Rashid Khan in the final over proved costly as Nepal needed 19 runs from the last ball.
The match highlighted the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of the Hong Kong Sixes format, where every ball counts and momentum can shift quickly.
What’s Next
Both teams remain in Pool A alongside South Africa. Afghanistan will face South Africa later in the tournament, while Nepal will need to regroup for their next Pool A fixture. The top two teams from each pool advance to the quarter-finals, while third-placed teams compete in the Bowl competition. With this victory, Afghanistan has taken an important first step toward qualifying for the knockout stages of the Hong Kong Sixes 2025.