Hong Kong Sixes: Pakistan hammer India after Krunal Pandya leaks 31 in an over
India suffered a four-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their opening Group C match of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 on Friday, with captain Krunal Pandya conceding 31 runs in an over as the defending champions bounced back from an earlier defeat to the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan chased down India’s 89-run target in just 3.5 overs at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, riding on explosive knocks from Khawaja Nafay and captain Abbas Afridi. Nafay smashed 41 off 12 deliveries, while Afridi hammered 35 off just eight balls as Pakistan completed the chase with 13 deliveries to spare.
The defeat was particularly disappointing for India, who had entered the contest looking to make a strong start to their campaign. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan restricted India to 88/5 in their six overs.
Shashank Singh was the standout performer for India, smashing 40 off just 11 deliveries, including five sixes. He shared a 57-run partnership with Nitish Rana, who contributed 19 off 14 balls, but India struggled to maintain the momentum towards the end of their innings. Rana retired out after struggling for momentum through his knock.
Rahul Tripathi made nine, while Rahul Tewatia and Krunal fell for ducks. T Natarajan remained unbeaten on 12 off six deliveries.
However, India’s bowling effort unravelled spectacularly. Krunal was taken for 31 runs in his only over, with Pakistan’s batters going after him from the outset. Nafay and Afridi put on 59 runs for the opening wicket in just 13 balls, taking the game away from India.
Krunal’s expensive over was followed by another costly one from Natarajan, who conceded 28 runs. Shashank and Tewatia picked up a wicket each, but India had little chance of defending their modest total.
UAE STUN PAKISTAN EARLIER
The result came after Pakistan had suffered a surprise one-wicket defeat to the UAE earlier in the day. Despite posting 106/2 in six overs, Pakistan failed to defend their total as UAE captain Khalid Shah produced a breathtaking 71 off just 20 deliveries.
Abbas Afridi had earlier smashed 53 off 13 balls, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 39 off 15 deliveries. However, Khalid’s nine sixes and Zahid Ali’s unbeaten 22 off eight balls powered the UAE to victory on the final delivery.
Pakistan’s contrasting results left Group C finely poised, with the defending champions bouncing back against India after their opening setback. The UAE, meanwhile, gained an early advantage with their victory over Pakistan.
India’s immediate challenge will be to beat the UAE in their remaining group fixture and improve their net run rate after the heavy defeat to Pakistan. With the six-a-side format leaving little room for recovery, the margin of their loss could prove significant in determining their progression to the knockout stages.
– Ends
