India suffered a four-wicket defeat against defending champions Pakistan in their Group C clash at the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes on Friday, with Abbas Afridi smashing five consecutive sixes off Krunal Pandya in the opening over of the chase.
After being asked to bat first, India posted 88/5 in their six overs, with Shashank Singh leading the scoring with a blistering 40 off 11 deliveries. Pakistan responded with an explosive batting display, chasing down the target in just 3.5 overs to register a convincing victory.
The result lifted Pakistan to the top of Group C, while India slipped to the bottom. India’s qualification hopes now rest on their final group match against the UAE on Saturday.
Abbas Afridi takes apart Krunal Pandya
Pakistan made an emphatic start to the chase as Abbas Afridi launched an assault on Krunal Pandya in the opening over. The right-hander struck five consecutive sixes, taking 30 runs off the Indian all-rounder’s bowling, while Khawaja Nafay added a single.
Afridi continued his attack against T Natarajan in the second over, hitting a four and a six as Pakistan raced to 59 without loss in just two overs.
Afridi eventually departed for 35 off eight balls, caught by Natarajan off Shashank Singh in the third over. However, Nafay kept the momentum going with 41 off 12 deliveries before Rahul Tewatia dismissed him in the fourth over.
Shashank Singh’s 40 goes in vain
Earlier, India struggled to build momentum after being put in to bat. Rahul Tripathi fell for nine to Muhammad Shahzad in the second over, while Nitish Rana and Shashank attempted to stabilise the innings.
Rana scored 19 off 14 balls before retiring out, while Shashank provided the major attacking contribution. He smashed five sixes and two fours in his 11-ball knock to take India towards a competitive total.
India, however, lost wickets towards the end. Rahul Tewatia and Krunal Pandya were dismissed for ducks by Abdul Samad in the fifth over, while Ahmed Daniyal bowled Shashank in the final over. India finished at 88/5.
India face must-win clash against UAE
India now need to beat the UAE in their final Group C fixture on Saturday to remain in contention for a semi-final place.
Pakistan had entered the match after losing their opening game against the UAE by two wickets. Friday’s victory revived their campaign and moved them to the top of the group.
If India defeat the UAE, all three teams in Group C will finish with two points each, leaving net run rate to determine which sides advance. Only the group winners qualify directly for the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for Sunday.
