Farmanullah Safi starred as Afghanistan secured a 17-run victory over Nepal in a high-scoring Pool A match of the Hong Kong International Sixes at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong on Friday.

Afghanistan elected to bat first and posted a challenging total of 112 in their six overs. Karim Janat led the charge with a blistering 35 off just 10 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes. Captain Gulbadin Naib contributed 22 off 10 balls, while Sediqullah Pacha added 13 from five deliveries. Farmanullah remained unbeaten on 30 from nine balls, striking two fours and three sixes.

Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Nepal, claiming four wickets for 27 runs in his two overs. Lokesh Bam also chipped in with one wicket for 15 runs. Extras proved costly for Nepal, adding 12 runs to Afghanistan’s total.

Chasing 113 for victory, Nepal struggled to maintain the required run rate. Lokesh Bam made 10 before falling to Farmanullah, while captain Sundeep Jora impressed with a rapid 53 off 14 balls but was forced to retire hurt as per the tournament rule. Rashid Khan added 11 before being dismissed lbw by Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai. Despite efforts from Mohammad Aadil Alam and Rupesh Singh, who remained unbeaten on 11 and one respectively, Nepal finished on 95 for 2 in their six overs.

Afghanistan dominated both with bat and ball, with Farmanullah’s all-round performance proving decisive. Early wickets and tight bowling restricted Nepal’s scoring, while Afghanistan’s aggressive batting set a commanding tone.