India Falls to Pakistan in Hong Kong Sixes Opener
India suffered a disappointing six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match of the Hong Kong Sixes 2024 at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground on Friday.
Despite a valiant effort from Bharat Chipli, who smashed 53 off 16 deliveries before retiring hurt, India could only muster 119 for 4 in their allotted six overs. Captain Robin Uthappa also contributed 31 off eight balls.
Pakistan’s batters, however, proved too strong for India’s bowlers. Asif Ali played a pivotal role, blasting 55 off 14 balls to lay the foundation for a comprehensive victory. Muhammad Akhlaq (40 not out off 12) and Faheem Ashraf (22 not out off 5) completed the chase with one over to spare.
The Hong Kong Sixes 2024 kicked off with an electrifying start, featuring explosive performances from batters across the board. Hosts Hong Kong and South Africa engaged in a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing aggressive batting. Hong Kong posted 92/0 in 6 overs, while South Africa chased down the target with 3 wickets in hand in just 4.4 overs.
Nepal stunned England in the day’s second match, clinching a 6-wicket victory after chasing down a target of 98 in just 4.2 overs. Captain Sundeep Jora led the charge with a blistering 50 off 12 balls.
Pakistan continued their winning ways, edging past UAE by 13 runs. Led by Faheem Ashram, Pakistan posted 128/0 in 6 overs, with Muhammad Akhlaq and Asif Ali both retiring after half-centuries. UAE’s Muhammad Zuhaib responded with a quickfire 53 off 14 balls, but Asif Ali’s final over, yielding only 6 runs and taking two wickets, shifted the game in Pakistan’s favor.
Sri Lanka secured a comfortable 4-wicket win over Oman, while Hong Kong redeemed themselves by defeating New Zealand.
