Pakistan delivered a commanding four-wicket victory over arch-rivals India in a high-voltage Group C encounter at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 on Friday, reigniting their campaign at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok.
The win provided crucial momentum for the Green Shirts after they suffered a heartbreaking one-wicket loss to the United Arab Emirates in their tournament opener earlier the same day.
India, batting first, managed only 88 runs before being bowled out in their six-over allocation. Shashank Singh fought valiantly with a blistering 40 off just 11 balls, smashing two fours and five sixes. Nitish Rana added 19 from 14 deliveries, while T Natarajan remained unbeaten on 12. The Indian batting order crumbled under pressure, with both Rahul Tewatia and captain Krunal Pandya falling for golden ducks.
Pakistan’s bowling attack proved lethal. Abdul Samad led the charge with impressive figures of 2/10 in a single over, while Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Shahzad each claimed a wicket to dismantle the Indian lineup.
Chasing 89, Pakistan exploded out of the blocks. Captain Abbas Afridi launched an astonishing assault on Krunal Pandya’s opening over, hammering five consecutive sixes to plunder 31 runs and set the tone for a dominant chase.
Khawaja Nafay continued the carnage in the second over, smashing five boundaries off Natarajan as Pakistan raced past 50 in just two overs. The opening partnership added 28 runs in that over alone, leaving India reeling.
Though Shashank dismissed Afridi for a rapid 35 off eight balls, and Tewatia removed Nafay after his explosive 41 from 12 deliveries, Pakistan never lost control. Irfan Niazi sealed the victory in style, launching a six off his very first ball. Abdul Samad finished unbeaten on seven off three balls as Pakistan cruised home with overs to spare.
The victory keeps Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stages firmly alive. With one loss and one win in Group C, the team will need to maintain this aggressive momentum in their remaining fixtures.
For Pakistani cricket fans, defeating India in any format remains the ultimate thrill. This emphatic win, built on explosive batting and disciplined bowling, will fuel celebrations across the country and provide a major confidence boost heading into the crucial group stage matches ahead.
The Hong Kong Sixes format, known for its fast-paced, high-scoring action, has once again delivered a classic Pakistan-India showdown that will be remembered for its intensity and drama.
