WATCH: Nepal’s Rashid Khan claims spectacular hat-trick against Afghanistan at Hong Kong Sixes 2025

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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’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.

🚨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 🎯

— FanCode (@FanCode) November 7, 2025

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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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