Hong Kong Sixes: Pakistan hammer India after Krunal Pandya runs out for 31 in an over

India suffered a four-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their opening Group C match of the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes on Friday, with skipper Krunal Pandya conceding 31 runs in an overtime effort as the defending champions bounced back from an earlier defeat to the United Arab Emirates.

Chasing India’s target of 89 runs in just 3.5 overs at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Pakistan rode on the explosive knocks of Khawaj Nafay and skipper Abbas Afridi. Nafay smashed 41 off 12 deliveries while Afridi smashed 35 off just eight balls as Pakistan completed the chase with 13 deliveries to spare.

The defeat was particularly disappointing for India, who entered the competition looking to get their campaign off to a flying start. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Pakistan restricted India to 88/5 in their six overs.

Shashank Singh was the standout performer for India, smashing 40 off just 11 deliveries, including five sixes. He shared a 57-run partnership with Nitish Rana, who contributed 19 off 14 balls, but India struggled to maintain momentum towards the end of their innings. Rana pulled back after trying to gain momentum through his knocking.

WHAT A FIERY KNOCK BY SHASHANK Catch all the Hong Kong Sixes LIVE action only on FanCode #HongKongSixes FanCode (@FanCode) October 30, 2026

Rahul Tripathi made nine while Rahul Tewatia and Krunal fell for ducks. T Natarajan remained unbeaten on 12 off six deliveries.

However, India’s bowling effort unraveled spectacularly. Krunal was taken for 31 runs in his only over, with the Pakistani batsmen going after him from the start. Nafay and Afridi put on 59 runs for the opening wicket in just 13 balls to take the game away from India.

Krunal’s expensive over was followed by another costly one from Natarajan who conceded 28 runs. Shashank and Tewatia each picked up a wicket but India had little chance to defend their meager total.

UAE STUN PAKISTAN EARLIER

The result came after Pakistan suffered a surprise one-wicket defeat at the hands of the UAE earlier in the day. Despite posting 106/2 in six overs, Pakistan failed to defend their total as UAE captain Khalid Shah produced a breathtaking 71 off just 20 deliveries.

Abbas Afridi earlier smashed 53 off 13 balls while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 39 off 15 deliveries. However, Khalid’s nine sixes and Zahid Ali’s unbeaten 22 from eight balls helped UAE to victory in the last delivery.

Contrasting results from Pakistan left Group C well balanced as the defending champions bounced back from India after an early setback. Meanwhile, the UAE gained an early advantage with their win over Pakistan.

The immediate challenge for India will be to beat the UAE in their remaining group matches and improve their clean run after their heavy defeat to Pakistan. With the 6-a-side format leaving little room for recovery, their rate of loss could prove significant in determining their progression to the knockout stages.

– The end