Pakistan defeated South Africa by five wickets in the second quarter-final of the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and chose to bowl first.
South Africa responded with 102 for 3 in their six overs. Jorich van Schalkwyk top‑scored with 40, while Abdullah Bayoumy and captain Jordan Morris managed only 1 run each. Blake Simpson and Ethan John Cunningham remained unbeaten on 26 and 29 respectively.
Pakistan’s Muhammad Shahzad took three wickets to restrict South Africa.
Chasing the modest target, Pakistan wrapped up the game in 3.5 overs for the loss of one wicket with a total of 105.
Opening batter Abdul Samad played a blistering innings, smashing six sixes in just ten balls to score 50. Wicket‑keeper batter Khawaja Nafay added 36, while Abbas Afridi chipped in with 12 off 2 balls including two sixes.
Earlier, Pakistan faced India in their second group-stage match. Rain interrupted the match, with India scoring 86 for 4 in six overs and setting a target of 87. Pakistan managed 41 for 1 in three overs when rain stopped play. Using the DLS method, India won by 2 runs.
Despite the loss, Pakistan finished second in Pool C and advanced to the quarter-finals.
In their opening match, Pakistan played against Kuwait and delivered a dominant performance. Abbas Afridi again won the toss and chose to bowl. Kuwait scored 123 for 2 in six overs, with Adnan Idrees making 17 and Bilal Tahir 24, while Meet Bhavsar remained unbeaten on 40 and Usman Patel on 31.
Abbas Afridi and Maaz Sadaqat took one wicket each. Pakistan chased the target comfortably with one wicket down. Khawaja Nafay remained not out on 25, Shahid Aziz on 23, while Muhammad Shahzad retired hurt on 14. Abdul Samad scored no runs, but captain Abbas Afridi smashed 55 off 12 balls, hitting one four and eight sixes to claim the player of the match award.
Pakistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2025 includes Abbas Afridi (c), Khawaja Nafay (wk), Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, Muhammad Shahzad and Shahid Aziz.