The clash between arch-rivals became the highlight of the tournament as India beat Pakistan Hong Kong Sixes 2025 by two runs in a rain-curtailed contest at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Friday. What promised to be a high-scoring, nail-biting finish instead concluded under the DLS method, leaving spectators with mixed emotions as rain intervened at a crucial stage in Pakistan’s chase.
India had set a target of 87 in the fast-paced six-a-side format, and Pakistan looked well on track during the opening overs. By the time rain arrived, Pakistan stood at 41-1 after three overs slightly behind India’s score at the same stage resulting in India being declared the winner. The decision, though technical and fair under the rules, naturally added an element of disappointment for Pakistan, who appeared to build momentum rapidly before the weather changed the scenario.
Pakistan began the chase with aggression. Khawaja Nafay took charge early, guiding Abhimanyu Mithun’s delivery to the leg side for a boundary after picking up a couple of singles. He then created room to smash two consecutive sixes, putting India immediately under pressure. By the end of the first over, Pakistan had comfortably gathered 18 runs, signalling a promising pursuit.
The momentum continued when Maaz Sadaqat stepped in during the second over. He lofted Stuart Binny straight over the ropes for another six, but Binny responded with experience, dismissing Sadaqat just three balls later. Abdul Samad joined Nafay, but with Nafay missing three consecutive deliveries, Pakistan closed the second over at 25-1 — steady but not ahead of the DLS curve.
In the third over, Shahbaz Nadeem was introduced, and Pakistan again burst to life. Nafay struck a four and a six, lifting the score to 41-1. However, just as Pakistan seemed to be recovering their required pace, rain poured down over the ground. The match officials halted play, and after a lengthy inspection, India’s score at the same stage of three overs was determined as superior, confirming that India beat Pakistan Hong Kong Sixes 2025 under DLS regulations.
Earlier in the day, India themselves had faced difficulties despite a flying start. Openers Robin Uthappa and Bharat Chipli hammered 34 runs in just two overs. Uthappa, in particular, was in terrific rhythm, smashing three sixes and two fours on his way to a quick 28 off 12 deliveries. But Mohammad Shahzad brought Pakistan back into the contest with a strong comeback, removing Uthappa after an expensive start. Shahzad also dismissed Binny, leaving India at 46-2.
With wickets falling, captain Dinesh Karthik and Chipli took control to rebuild the innings. Chipli continued finding boundaries, scoring a valuable 24 off 13 balls before being dismissed in the penultimate over. Karthik’s late six in the final over helped India finish at 86-4 — a total that seemed competitive but still chaseable considering the small field and high-scoring nature of Hong Kong Sixes cricket.
Pakistan’s bowling effort, particularly from Shahzad and Maaz Sadaqat, ensured the game remained balanced. Their disciplined later overs prevented India from crossing 100, which has been a relatively common score at the venue.
Despite the disappointment of the rain-hit result, Pakistan’s earlier performance in the day had been exceptional. In their first match of the tournament, they defeated Kuwait in a sensational last-ball thriller. Skipper Abbas Afridi produced a historic performance, smashing six sixes in an over and scoring an unbeaten 55 off just 12 balls. Pakistan, needing 67 off the final 12 deliveries, completed the chase with remarkable composure. Shahid Aziz’s rapid 23 not out off five balls complemented Afridi’s fireworks perfectly.
That opening victory positioned Pakistan strongly in the group stage and showcased their explosive potential in the short format. However, the rain-affected loss where India beat Pakistan Hong Kong Sixes 2025 shifted momentum slightly, adding pressure ahead of their remaining fixtures.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to carry forward their strengths — India with their steady top order and bowlers accustomed to tight overs, and Pakistan with their aggressive batting and ability to dominate under pressure. The rivalry, as always, remains intense and unpredictable.
For fans, the match will be remembered not for the final score but for the dramatic swings, bold hitting, and the unfortunate rain interruption that decided the contest. Yet, this is the essence of the Hong Kong Sixes: fast, fierce, and always capable of producing unforgettable moments.
