{
  "id": 17788432,
  "title": "Pakistan finish fifth, but Abbas Afridi strikes sleeping pose with five trophies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/pakistan-finish-fifth-but-abbas-afridi-strikes-sleeping-pose-with",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-02T11:30:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/pakistan-finish-fifth-but-abbas-afridi-strikes-sleeping-pose-with-five-trophies-1.500732716"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan's cricket star Abbas Afridi celebrated his success at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 by posing beside an impressive display of five trophies. Afridi, a talented all-rounder at just 25 years old, was named Player of the Tournament after an outstanding individual campaign. He scored a remarkable 216 runs in just four matches, while hitting an astonishing 31 sixes to become the joint leading run scorer alongside Australia's Max Bryant. No one hit more sixes than Afridi during the tournament.\n\nA photograph of Afridi lying on a bed, with his trophies arranged beside him, quickly gained attention on social media. It showed the cricket star resting his head on one hand as he celebrated his five trophies and Player of the Tournament award. The unusual celebration quickly became a talking point among fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.\n\nAfridi's performance was crucial in Pakistan's Plate final victory over Oman, where he scored an unbeaten 73 off just 16 balls, including 11 sixes and one four. Pakistan secured a 154 for four total in their six overs. In Oman's response, Pakistan held on for an 18-run victory, lifting the Plate trophy. However, Pakistan missed out on the main title as they finished fifth overall after winning the Plate competition. Afghanistan claimed the main championship for the first time by defeating Australia in the Cup final.\n\nDespite the criticism, Afridi's 216 runs and 31 sixes during the tournament warranted his celebration. PM Shehbaz Sharif praised Pakistan for defeating India in the Hong Kong Sixes, while former captain Babar Azam called for Afridi and other players to receive batting lessons in England or Australia.",
  "summary": "Pakistan cricketer Abbas Afridi has found an interesting way to celebrate his success at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. Of course, this is not a new thing in sports. The 25 year old all rounder shared a photograph of himself lying on a bed, pretending to sleep, with five trophies neatly arranged beside him. And looking at his performances throughout the tournament, he certainly had plenty to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}