Hong Kong, October 30, 2026: Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India by four wickets in a thrilling Group C encounter at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 on Friday, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok.
The victory provided Pakistan with a much-needed boost after they suffered a narrow one-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opening Group C match earlier in the day.
Batting first, India were bowled out for 88 in their allotted six overs, with Shashank Singh emerging as their top scorer with a blistering 40 off just 11 deliveries, including two fours and five sixes.
Nitish Rana contributed 19 off 14 balls, hitting one four and two sixes, while T Natarajan remained unbeaten on 12 off six deliveries. Rahul Tripathi added nine off five balls, while Rahul Tewatia and captain Krunal Pandya were dismissed without scoring.
For Pakistan, Abdul Samad led the bowling attack with two wickets for 10 runs in one over, while Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Shahzad claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan launched an explosive response, with captain Abbas Afridi smashing five consecutive sixes in the opening over bowled by Krunal Pandya to collect 31 runs.
Khawaja Nafay continued the assault in the second over, striking five boundaries against Natarajan as Pakistan added another 28 runs to race past the 50-run mark.
India managed a breakthrough when Shashank dismissed Afridi, who had smashed 35 off just eight deliveries, including one four and five sixes.
Nafay maintained the momentum, scoring a rapid 41 off 12 balls, featuring two fours and five sixes, before being dismissed by Tewatia.
Irfan Niazi then sealed the contest in emphatic fashion by hitting a six off his first delivery. Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on seven off three balls, including a six, as Pakistan completed the chase to register an impressive four-wicket victory.
