KOWLOON: India endured a disappointing outing against arch-rivals Pakistan, suffering a four-wicket defeat in their Group C encounter at the Hong Kong International Sixes on Friday after their batting unit failed to put up a competitive total.
Despite an explosive contribution from Shashank Singh, who smashed 40 off just 11 deliveries, India managed only 88 for five in their allotted six overs. Pakistan made light work of the target, reaching 91 for two in just 3.5 overs to register a convincing victory.
The highlight of Pakistan’s successful chase was a blistering opening partnership between Khawaja Nafay and Abbas Afridi, who took the Indian bowling attack apart with a remarkable display of power-hitting.
Nafay hammered 41 off 12 balls, while Afridi contributed 35 from just eight deliveries as the duo added 59 runs in only 13 balls to put Pakistan firmly in control.
Afridi was particularly destructive against Krunal Pandya, smashing five sixes in the very first over of the chase. The assault effectively swung the contest Pakistan’s way, leaving India with little opportunity to recover.
Following the departure of the openers, Abdul Samad and Irfan Khan ensured there were no further complications as Pakistan crossed the finish line comfortably.
Shashank Singh’s fireworks fail to rescue India
Earlier, India struggled to establish momentum after being asked to bat first.
Openers Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana failed to provide the explosive start required in the six-a-side format, managing nine and 19 runs respectively.
Captain Krunal Pandya and Rahul Tewatia also failed to make significant contributions, leaving Shashank Singh to shoulder much of the scoring responsibility.
Shashank’s 11-ball assault offered India some late momentum, but his efforts were insufficient to lift the total beyond 88 for five.
India eventually finished with the lowest total of the day in the tournament, a score that proved inadequate against Pakistan’s aggressive batting approach.
Pakistan climb to the top of Group C
The victory was particularly important for Pakistan, who had been pushed to the brink of elimination after suffering a narrow one-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates in their opening fixture earlier on Friday.
Their emphatic response against India lifted them to the top of Group C, while India slipped to the bottom of the standings.
India will now have to win their second and final group match against the UAE on Saturday to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Under the tournament format, group winners will advance directly to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled to take place on Sunday.
For India, the defeat against Pakistan has made their remaining group fixture crucial, with their batting performance needing considerable improvement if they are to remain in contention for the title.
