India suffered a four-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their opening match of the Hong Kong International Sixes 2026 tournament on Friday, October 30. Despite an explosive knock from Shashank Singh, India managed only 88/5 in six overs before Pakistan chased down the target in just 3.5 overs.

Pakistan finished at 92/2, completing a dominant victory after a blistering start from openers Abbas Afridi and Khawaja Nafay. The result also lifted Pakistan to the top of Group C after they had suffered a narrow one-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier in the day.

Shashank Singh’s explosive knock powers India to 88

Sent in to bat, India struggled to build momentum as their top and middle order failed to capitalise on the six-over format. Shashank Singh was the standout performer, smashing 40 runs off just 11 balls to help India reach 88/5.

Rahul Tripathi scored nine runs, while Nitish Rana contributed 19. However, skipper Krunal Pandya and Rahul Tewatia failed to make significant contributions as India finished with a modest total.

India’s 88/5 was reported as the lowest score of the day in the tournament, leaving their bowlers with a difficult task against Pakistan’s aggressive batting line-up.

Abbas Afridi, Khawaja Nafay power Pakistan to victory

Pakistan came out firing in the chase, with Abbas Afridi taking the attack to Krunal Pandya in the opening over. Afridi smashed five sixes in the over, helping Pakistan make a flying start.

Pakistan raced to 59 runs within the first two overs, putting India under immediate pressure. Khawaja Nafay continued the assault, scoring 41 off just 12 balls, while Afridi contributed 35 off eight deliveries.

The opening pair added 59 runs off just 13 balls, laying the foundation for a rapid chase. Pakistan eventually reached 92/2 in 3.5 overs to seal a four-wicket win.

What next for India in Hong Kong Sixes 2026?

The defeat leaves India at the bottom of Group C, while Pakistan moved to the top following their victory. Pakistan had earlier lost their opening match against the UAE by one wicket, making the win over India crucial to their campaign.

India will face the UAE on Saturday in their second and final group-stage match. The tournament’s group winners will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 1, at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong.