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India got off to a disappointing start in their Hong Kong Sixes 2026 campaign, suffering a massive four-wicket defeat against Pakistan at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on October 30.
Krunal Pandya-led India failed to defend their total of 88/5 in the six-over contest. Pakistan chased down the target with 2.1 overs remaining, winning the match by a convincing margin.
The defeat has left India in a difficult position in the race for the semifinals. Their net run rate (NRR) has dropped to -9.072, making a big victory against the UAE in their next match almost a necessity.
Shashank Singh Leads India’s Batting Effort, Nitish Rana Retired Out
Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and decided to bowl first. India made a decent start, with Rahul Tripathi hitting two boundaries in the opening over bowled by Ahmed Daniyal.
However, Tripathi could not stay for long and was dismissed by Muhammad Shahzad in the second over. He scored nine runs off five deliveries.
Shashank Singh then took charge of the innings. He made an immediate impact by hitting a boundary and two back-to-back sixes in the same over.
Nitish Rana, meanwhile, found it difficult to score freely. After hitting a six in the third over, he struggled to find boundaries against Afridi. Shashank continued to attack and took Irfan Khan apart in the fourth over, hitting three sixes and a four.
Abdul Samad bowled the fifth over, during which Rana managed to hit a six. However, with runs not coming quickly enough from his bat, Krunal Pandya decided to retire him out.
India’s innings then lost momentum completely. Rahul Tewatia and Krunal were both dismissed for golden ducks.
T Natarajan managed a boundary after coming in to bat, but India suffered another setback when Shashank was bowled by Daniyal on the first ball of the final over.
Shashank was India’s standout batter, scoring 40 runs off just 11 balls, with five sixes and two fours. Natarajan added another boundary before the innings ended at 88/5, a total that proved well below par.
Abbas Afridi’s Explosive Start Makes Pakistan’s Chase Easy
Pakistan wasted little time in taking control of the chase. Khawaja Nafay took a single off the first ball from Krunal, before Abbas Afridi smashed five consecutive sixes to turn the match heavily in Pakistan’s favour.
The over produced 31 runs, putting India under immediate pressure.
Natarajan was handed the ball in the second over, but Pakistan continued to attack. Nafay struck a four and a six before a no-ball added to India’s troubles. Afridi followed it up with a boundary and a single, while Nafay finished the over with another six and a four.
Pakistan raced to 59 without losing a wicket in just two overs.
Shashank finally gave India a breakthrough by dismissing Afridi, who had scored 35 runs off only eight balls.
However, there was little relief for the Indian bowlers. Nafay and Samad continued to find boundaries, with both hitting sixes in the third over.
Krunal then turned to Rahul Tewatia, who has not bowled in the last three IPL seasons. But the move did not work as Nafay smashed him for two consecutive sixes.
Tewatia eventually got the wicket of Nafay in the fourth over. The opener departed after scoring 41 off 12 balls, including five sixes and two fours.
Irfan Khan came in next and finished the chase in style, hitting a six to seal a comfortable win for Pakistan.
India Face Tough Road To Hong Kong Sixes Semifinals
India’s heavy defeat has made their semifinal qualification considerably tougher. Their NRR now stands at -9.072, leaving them with little room for another poor performance.
Earlier in the day, the UAE had beaten Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling last-ball finish.
India will now face the UAE on October 31. A victory by a big margin will be crucial if Krunal Pandya’s side want to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Another defeat could leave them battling for the remaining positions in the competition.