A 40‑run burst couldn't save India from a four‑wicket defeat at the Hong Kong International Sixes.
Key points
- India's batting collapsed after a promising start from Shashank Singh, leaving them with the lowest total of the day.
- Pakistan's aggressive chase, highlighted by Afridi's five sixes, secured a comfortable four‑wicket victory.
- The result reshaped Group C standings, putting Pakistan at the summit and India at the bottom ahead of their match with the UAE.
- With only two matches in the group stage, every game now carries heightened pressure for both sides.
On Friday, October 30, 2026, India opened their Hong Kong International Sixes campaign with a four‑wicket loss to arch‑rivals Pakistan in Group C, the PTI report on Rediff notes.
India managed 88 for five in the allotted six overs, a total that proved insufficient despite Shashank Singh's explosive 40 off just 11 balls. The top order struggled, with Rahul Tripathi contributing nine runs and Nitish Rana 19, while captain Krunal Pandya and Rahul Tewatia failed to make a notable impact.
Low total despite Singh's blitz
Pakistan responded emphatically, reaching 91 for two in only 3.5 overs. Openers Khawaja Nafay (41 off 12 balls) and Abbas Afridi (35 off eight balls) built a 59‑run partnership in just 13 deliveries, with Afridi hammering five sixes off Pandya's first over to swing momentum decisively.
The win propelled Pakistan to the top of Group C, while India slipped to the bottom of the table. India’s next fixture is against the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, with the group winners set to qualify for the semi‑finals and the tournament final slated for Sunday.
Pakistan's swift chase
The Hong Kong International Sixes features a fast‑paced, six‑ball over format, meaning each side has only six overs to post or chase a target, amplifying the importance of quick scoring and aggressive bowling.
Reader questions
What is the format of the Hong Kong International Sixes?
Each team bats for a maximum of six overs, with each over consisting of six balls. The fast‑paced format emphasizes rapid scoring and makes every ball crucial.
When does India play its next match in the tournament?
India is scheduled to face the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, the second and final group match for India.
How did Pakistan recover after their earlier loss to the UAE?
After a narrow one‑wicket defeat to the UAE earlier in the day, Pakistan bounced back by chasing down India's target of 89 with 91 for two, moving them to the top of Group C.
Source: rediff.com
