Abbas Afridi’s Six-Hitting Blitz Sparks Pakistan Win—and Social Media Trolling

Abbas Afridi leads Pakistan’s rapid chase

Pakistan beat India by four wickets in a six-over Group C match at the Hong Kong Sixes, chasing a target of 89 in just 3.5 overs. India made 88 for five after being sent in to bat.

Openers Khawaja Nafay and Abbas Afridi gave Pakistan a flying start, putting on 59 runs from 13 deliveries. Nafay scored 41 from 12 balls, while Afridi struck 35 from eight. Afridi hit five sixes off Krunal Pandya in the opening over, swinging the chase decisively Pakistan’s way.

Shehbaz Sharif’s post draws fan criticism

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the team’s “superb” win on social media and commended Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his staff. His message described the India game as the tournament’s “opening clash”—although Pakistan had played the UAE earlier and lost by one wicket.

That error, alongside the scale of the event, prompted a wave of social media trolling. Some Indian fans argued that a prime minister’s public celebration gave too much weight to a competition that often features fringe or retired players. Others joked that the match was being treated like a major international triumph.

What the result means for Group C

• Pakistan beat India by four wickets, reaching 91 for two.
• Pakistan had lost to the UAE earlier in the day.
• The win lifted Pakistan to the top of Group C, while India fell to the bottom.
• India’s final group match was scheduled against the UAE, with group winners advancing to the semifinals.