Tournament: Hong Kong International Sixes 2025/26
Match: Pool B – Australia vs United Arab Emirates
Date: Thursday, November 7, 2025
Time: 9:50 AM local time (04:50 AM GMT)
Venue: Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Toss: Not yet conducted
Tournament Format
The Hong Kong Sixes features a unique six-a-side format. Each team bats for six overs, with every fielder (except the wicketkeeper) bowling one over. One player can bowl a second over, but not consecutively. Batters must retire at 50 runs but can return if wickets fall. This fast-paced format guarantees entertainment with explosive hitting and quick wickets.
Expected Playing XIs
Australia Squad (Source: Inside Sport India, Wisden)
According to confirmed reports from Inside Sport India, Australia will be captained by Big Bash legend Alex Ross. The seven-member squad features:
Likely XI (6 players from):
- Alex Ross (C)
- Ben McDermott
- Andrew Tye
- Chris Green
- Jack Wood
- Nick Hobson
- Will Bosisto
Note: Final six will be selected from this seven-player squad.
UAE Squad (Source: Inside Sport India, Wisden)
UAE will be led by captain Harshit Kaushik, with the squad including:
Likely XI (6 players from):
- Harshit Kaushik (C)
- Khalid Shah
- Muhammad Arfan
- Muhammad Farooq
- Muhammad Saghir Khan
- Nilansh Keswani
- Rejith Kurungode
- Zahid Ali – seamer
Note: Final six will be selected from this eight-player squad.
Important: The playing XIs shown in the initial match information appear to be from the 2024 edition. The confirmed 2025 squads are different, as reported by Inside Sport India and Wisden on November 6-7, 2025.
Venue and Pitch Report
Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok will host all matches. Based on previous Hong Kong Sixes editions, the venue typically offers:
- Pitch Type: Flat batting surface with good pace and bounce
- Average First Innings Score: 110-120 runs (in 6 overs)
- Conditions: Favorable for batters with shorter boundaries
- Spin Factor: Average assistance for spinners
The ground is known for high-scoring matches, making power-hitting crucial in this format.
Players to Watch
| Batters | Team | Why Watch Them |
|---|---|---|
| Ben McDermott | Australia | Explosive T20 specialist with Big Bash and international experience |
| Khalid Shah | UAE | Top scorer in 2024 with a memorable 42 off 10 balls against India |
| Alex Ross | Australia | Big Bash veteran with 144 matches of experience |
| Bowlers | Team | Why Watch Them |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Tye | Australia | Death-overs specialist with IPL and international experience |
| Chris Green | Australia | All-rounder who can bowl tight overs and hit big sixes |
| Muhammad Farooq | UAE | Experienced leg-spinner with ODI and T20I credentials |
Head-to-Head
This is the first meeting between these two teams in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 edition. Both teams are placed in Pool B alongside England.
What to Expect
Australia enter this match as favorites given their squad depth and experience. The team features several Big Bash League and IPL stars, bringing professional T20 expertise to the six-over format.
However, UAE shouldn’t be underestimated. Khalid Shah’s explosive batting in last year’s tournament proves they can upset bigger teams. The six-over format is unpredictable, where one good partnership or bowling spell can change the game completely.
Expect a high-scoring encounter with plenty of boundaries. The team winning the toss might choose to bat first to put pressure on opponents in the chase.
Prediction
Australia are likely to win this match based on their squad strength and T20 experience. Their combination of explosive batters like McDermott and quality bowlers like Tye gives them an edge.
Predicted Margin: Australia to win by 10-15 runs or with 2-3 balls remaining if chasing.
However, in the six-over format, anything can happen. If Khalid Shah fires early or UAE’s bowlers restrict Australia’s big hitters, an upset is definitely possible.