The Pool A clash between Afghanistan and Nepal at Mong Kok’s Mission Road Ground in the Hong Kong Sixes lived up to its billing as a high-scoring spectacle, showcasing thrilling six-a-side cricket action on Friday. Among the highlights was an electrifying spell from Nepal’s Rashid Khan, who etched his name in tournament history by pulling off a sensational hat-trick during Afghanistan’s batting innings.

Rashid Khan produces hat-trick heroics for Nepal against Afghanistan

Rashid’s remarkable feat came in the fourth over, triggering a dramatic moment in the game. He started by dismissing Sediqullah Pacha, who looked dangerous after blasting 13 off 5 deliveries, caught behind by wicketkeeper Sundeep Jora. The very next ball, Sharafuddin Ashraf misjudged a swipe and offered a catch to Basir Ahamad. Rashid then completed the hat-trick by removing Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, caught in the outfield by Lokesh Bam, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 78/5 in the space of three deliveries. Rashid finished with stellar figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs in his 2 overs, a rare achievement in the high-tempo format where bowlers often struggle to contain aggressive scoring.

Nepal’s supporters erupted as Rashid Khan’s triple strike injected fresh intensity into a match that had initially tilted towards Afghanistan, with Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib launching a ferocious start. Rashid’s impact not only broke Afghanistan’s momentum but also showcased the depth of Nepal’s talent pool, putting the spotlight firmly on Sixes cricket’s ability to produce magical moments.

Here’s the video:

🚨Hat-trick Alert🚨

A Rashid Khan you didn’t see coming 👀

The Nepal pacer pulls off a sensational hat-trick vs Afghanistan in the #HongKongSixes 🎯 pic.twitter.com/X9NcP2dcAT

— FanCode (@FanCode) November 7, 2025

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Afghanistan clinch convincing win despite Rashid’s heroics

Despite the dramatic turn provided by Rashid’s hat-trick, Afghanistan’s potent batting lineup inflicted significant damage early on. Janat hammered a rapid-fire 35 off 10 balls, including 2 boundaries and 4 sixes, while skipper Naib added 22 from just 10 balls. The duo powered Afghanistan to 62 in under 3 overs, ensuring a robust platform.

After Rashid’s breakthrough, Farmanullah anchored the back end of the innings with an unbeaten 30 off 9 balls, ensuring Afghanistan finished strongly at 112 in their allotted 6 overs. Nepal, set a challenging target of 113, responded with determination. Jora played a captain’s knock, retiring hurt after a blistering 53 off 14 deliveries. Bam chipped in with 10 before falling to Farmanullah, the eventual Player of the Match, who complemented his batting heroics with figures of 1/19 from 2 overs.

Nepal ultimately fell short, finishing at 95/2 after 6 overs. The run chase faltered after Jora exited, and Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing exchanges to secure a 17-run victory. The win cements Afghanistan’s position atop Pool A, combining explosive batting with disciplined death bowling.

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