ISLAMABAD, 1 November, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan defeated Oman by 18 runs in the Plate final of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 on Sunday to secure the second-tier title, finishing fifth overall after failing to defend their championship crown. Batting first at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Pakistan posted an imposing 154-4 in their allotted six overs, with captain Abbas Afridi producing a remarkable 73 off just 16 balls, including 11 sixes and a four. Abdul Samad contributed 26 off five deliveries, while Ahmed Daniyal smashed 25 off five balls, featuring four sixes. Muhammad Shahzad added 13, while Khawaja Nafay scored seven runs. In reply, Oman managed 136-4 in six overs despite an explosive opening partnership. Usman Ali led the chase with 67 off 17 deliveries, including eight sixes, while Zohaib Amanat scored 61 off 18 balls, also hitting eight sixes. However, Pakistan’s bowling and fielding efforts kept Oman 18 runs short of the target. Ahmed Daniyal also played a key role by running out Oman captain Aamir Kaleem for a duck. Pakistan’s campaign had begun with a defeat against the United Arab Emirates, despite Abbas Afridi’s 53 off 13 balls, as UAE captain Khalid Shah guided his side to victory with an unbeaten-looking match-winning 71 off 20 deliveries. The Green Shirts bounced back by defeating arch-rivals India, chasing down a target of 89 in just 3.5 overs, with Khawaja Nafay scoring 41 off 12 balls and Abbas Afridi adding an unbeaten 35 off eight deliveries. However, the UAE’s subsequent victory over India secured its place in the main trophy competition and pushed Pakistan into the Plate event. Pakistan then defeated hosts Hong Kong in the Plate semi-final, chasing 107 without losing a wicket, as Abbas Afridi struck an unbeaten 55 off 13 balls to lead his team into the final. The victory over Oman secured Pakistan the Plate championship and concluded their campaign with a fifth-place finish in the tournament.