Pakistan stormed into the semi-finals of the Hong Kong International Sixes with a dominant 5-wicket victory over South Africa at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok on November 8, 2025. Chasing 103 runs, Pakistan’s Abdul Samad played a stunning knock, scoring an unbeaten 50 off just 10 balls with eight massive sixes. Pakistan reached the target in just 3.5 overs, finishing at 105/1 and winning with a remarkable run rate of 27.39. South Africa had earlier posted 102/3 in their six overs, with Jorich Van Schalkwyk top-scoring with 40 runs. Muhammad Shahzad was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, taking three wickets to restrict South Africa’s total.
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 102 | 6.0 | 3 | Lost by 5 wickets |
| Pakistan | 105 | 3.5 | 1 | Won by 5 wickets |
Match Details:
- Venue: Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
- Date: November 8, 2025
- Format: Hong Kong International Sixes (6 overs per side)
- Toss: Not specified
- Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Samad | Pakistan | Batsman | 50* off 10 balls (0x4, 8×6, SR: 500.00) |
| Jorich Van Schalkwyk | South Africa | Batsman | 40 off 13 balls (0x4, 6×3, SR: 307.69) |
| Muhammad Shahzad | Pakistan | Bowler | 1-11 in 1 over (3 wickets) |
| Khawaja Nafay | Pakistan | Batsman | 36 off 13 balls (1×4, 2×6, SR: 276.92) |
| Blake Snijman | South Africa | Batsman | 26* off 9 balls (1×4, 3×6, SR: 288.88) |
Key Moments
- 2.1 overs (SA innings): Muhammad Shahzad strikes first, removing Abdullah Bayoumy for just 1 run
- 2.4 overs (SA innings): Shahzad takes his second wicket, dismissing dangerous opener Van Schalkwyk after his quick-fire 40
- 2.6 overs (SA innings): Shahzad completes his spell with three wickets, sending back South Africa captain Jordan Morris for 1
- SA finish at 102/3: Despite losing three quick wickets, Snijman (26*) and Cunningham (29*) help South Africa post a competitive total
- Pakistan’s flying start: Abdul Samad and Khawaja Nafay launch an aggressive assault on South Africa’s bowlers
- 2.4 overs (PAK innings): Pakistan lose their first wicket with Nafay caught for 36, but the damage is already done at 62/1
- 3.5 overs: Abdul Samad finishes the chase with his eighth six, reaching his fifty and sealing victory
Match Analysis
This quarter-final showcased the explosive nature of six-over cricket. Abdul Samad’s incredible strike rate of 500 demonstrates why the Hong Kong Sixes format is so popular with fans. His ability to clear the boundary eight times in just 10 deliveries turned the chase into a one-sided affair.
South Africa started well through Van Schalkwyk’s aggressive 40, but Muhammad Shahzad’s triple-wicket burst in the third over put them on the back foot. The middle-order pair of Snijman and Cunningham steadied the innings with an unbeaten partnership, but their 55-run stand couldn’t lift South Africa to a defendable total.
Pakistan’s chase was clinical. The opening partnership between Samad and Nafay added 62 runs in just 2.4 overs, effectively ending the contest. Even after Nafay’s dismissal, captain Abbas Afridi supported Samad well, and Pakistan cruised home with 13 balls to spare.
What’s Next
Pakistan advances to the semi-finals of the Hong Kong International Sixes, where they will face tough competition from other qualified teams. Their powerful batting lineup, led by Abdul Samad’s explosive form, makes them strong contenders for the title. South Africa exits the tournament after a valiant effort but will need to improve their bowling in future editions of this exciting format.
The semi-finals promise more thrilling six-over action as teams battle for a place in the final of this prestigious tournament.