At Hong Kong Sixes 2026, Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 216 runs in four matches and hitting 31 sixes, even as Pakistan finished fifth overall after lifting the Plate trophy.
The 25-year-old all-rounder later posted a photo of himself lying on a bed as if asleep, with five trophies lined up beside him. The image spread on social media on Monday and drew both praise for his form and criticism from fans who felt the pose sat poorly with a fifth-place finish.
Individual haul at Hong Kong Sixes
Abbas finished as joint leading run-scorer with Australia’s Max Bryant and hit more sixes than anyone else in the event. His award set included three Player of the Match prizes, the Player of the Tournament honour, and recognition for the most sixes — the five pieces shown in the photograph.
That personal tally was the clearest story of Pakistan’s week: heavy six-hitting, high scores in a short format, and captaincy in a side that still fell short of the main Cup.
Plate final win over Oman
On Sunday, Abbas played a central part as Pakistan beat Oman in the Plate final. He made an unbeaten 73 off 16 balls, with 11 sixes and one four, helping Pakistan post 154 for four in six overs. Abdul Samad scored 32 off seven balls and Ahmed Daniyal was unbeaten on 25 off five. Oman replied with 136 for four; Pakistan won by 18 runs and took the Plate.
The Plate is contested by sides that finished second in their groups and decides places five to eight. Winning it left Pakistan fifth overall. They could not defend the main Hong Kong Sixes title they won in 2025. Afghanistan claimed the Cup for the first time, defeating Australia by four wickets in the final.
Mixed reaction to the trophy photo
Some supporters questioned whether celebrating with five trophies was appropriate after the team failed to keep the main crown. Others treated the image as light-hearted recognition of a player who had dominated the tournament’s batting charts. Either way, the story remains tied to both the awards and the debate around how a captain marks personal success when the side’s ranking is modest.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- 2025: Pakistan won the main Hong Kong Sixes title.
- Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Abbas scored 216 runs and 31 sixes across four matches and was named Player of the Tournament.
- Sunday: Pakistan beat Oman by 18 runs in the Plate final; Abbas made an unbeaten 73 off 16.
- Monday: His sleeping-pose photo with five trophies circulated on social media.
- Cup final: Afghanistan beat Australia by four wickets to win the main championship for the first time.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Abbas Afridi Hong Kong Sixes mein bohot achha khela: 216 runs aur 31 sixes ke sath Player of the Tournament bana. Pakistan ne Plate final Oman se jeeta, lekin overall fifth raha. Us ne paanch trophies ke sath soye hue pose wali photo share ki. Fans mein kuch ne tareef ki, kuch ne team ke result ki wajah se aitraz kiya.
