MONG KOK: India’s disappointing campaign at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 continued as Krunal Pandya-led side suffered a comprehensive defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their second Group C encounter at the Mission Road Ground on Saturday.
After losing their opening match against Pakistan, India were once again outplayed, with UAE chasing down a target of 95 runs in just 4.2 overs without losing a wicket.
Batting first after UAE opted to field, India managed 94 for six in their allotted six overs. Rahul Tripathi and T Natarajan provided the major contributions with the bat, but the rest of the Indian batting line-up failed to make a significant impact.
Tripathi struck a quickfire 24 off just seven deliveries, while Natarajan provided some late fireworks, smashing 38 off 14 balls. Captain Krunal Pandya contributed 15 runs.
India, however, suffered an early collapse, losing Nitish Rana, Rahul Tewatia and Shashank Singh cheaply. Tripathi’s dismissal further dented their innings before Natarajan and Pandya attempted to revive the scoring.
For UAE, Zahid Ali was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 32 runs, while Muhammad Farooq and Mohammed Faraazuddin picked up a wicket each.
UAE Complete Dominant Chase
Chasing 95, UAE produced a commanding batting display, reaching 97 without losing a wicket in just 4.2 overs.
Captain Khalid Shah led the assault with an unbeaten 52 off only 14 deliveries, smashing three boundaries and six sixes. His opening partner Ansh Tandon remained unbeaten on 39 off 12 balls, with the pair making a mockery of the Indian bowling attack.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain the UAE batters, with T Natarajan conceding 43 runs in his two overs, while Shashank Singh gave away 17 runs in his only over.
Zahid Ali was named Player of the Match for his three-wicket performance.
India Finish Bottom of Group C
The defeat marked India’s second consecutive loss in the tournament, following their opening-match defeat against Pakistan on Friday.
India had posted 88 for five against Pakistan, with Shashank Singh scoring an explosive 40 off 11 deliveries. However, Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, winning by four wickets.
UAE, meanwhile, topped Group C after registering victories against both India and Pakistan, while Pakistan finished second.
India’s back-to-back defeats highlighted their struggles in the fast-paced six-a-side format, where explosive batting, disciplined bowling and quick execution are crucial.
