HONG KONG: Pakistan registered a dominant victory over India in their Hong Kong Sixes 2026 encounter after producing a sensational batting performance at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Friday.
Chasing a target of 89 runs, Pakistan got off to a blistering start, smashing 31 runs without losing a wicket in the very first over.
Batting first, India managed to post 88 runs in their allotted six overs. The Men in Blue looked to put up a competitive total in the fast-paced six-a-side format, but their efforts with the bat were overshadowed by Pakistan’s incredible response.
However, Pakistan came out all guns blazing during their run chase. The Men in Green got off to a sensational start, smashing 31 runs without losing a wicket in the very first over.
Abbas Afridi took charge of the proceedings and went after Krunal Pandya, dispatching the Indian captain for five sixes in the over. The onslaught put India under immediate pressure as Pakistan raced towards the target easily.
No handshake
As usual, India captain Krunal Pandya avoided the customary handshake with Pakistan skipper Abbas Afridi at the toss ahead of their Hong Kong Sixes 2026 Group C encounter on Friday.
The moment caught attention as the two teams renewed their rivalry at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. Krunal, who is leading the Indian side in the six-a-side tournament, did not exchange the traditional pre-match greeting with Afridi during the toss proceedings.
The incident comes amid India’s continued stance of avoiding handshakes with Pakistan players in recent cricketing encounters.
UAE stun Pakistan
A blazing batting display from Abbas Afridi was not enough to save Pakistan from a dramatic opening defeat as defending champions lost to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by one wicket in their Group C clash at the Hong Kong Sixes at Mission Road Ground on Friday.
After winning the toss and elected to bat, Pakistan posted 106-3 in their allotted six overs, with captain Abbas Afridi leading the charge through an explosive innings.
Afridi smashed 53 off just 13 deliveries, hitting one four and eight sixes, while Abdul Samad provided strong support with an unbeaten 39 off 15 balls.
Chasing 107, the UAE mounted an aggressive response, reaching 109-5 in six overs to seal a thrilling one-wicket victory.
UAE captain Khalid Shah led the chase with a stunning 71 off 20 deliveries, including three fours and nine sixes. Zahid Ali also made a valuable contribution, scoring 22 off just eight balls.
For Pakistan, Abbas Afridi, Abdul Samad and Irfan Khan claimed one wicket each, but their efforts could not prevent the defeat.
