India vs Pakistan: India wins rain-marred Hong Kong Sixes contest against arch-rivals
The recently concluded Asia Cup 2025 staged the ultimate showdown between the arch-rivals. The Men in Blue, led by Suryakumar Yadav, won the subcontinental tournament, but the India vs Pakistan controversy that dominated the event overshadowed the victory celebrations. Now, another cricket tournament has reignited the India-Pakistan rivalry, as the two teams faced off in the Hong Kong Sixes campaign opener at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.
Hong Kong Sixes: Dinesh Karthik and Co. beat arch-rivals in India vs Pakistan showdown
The six-over India vs Pakistan contest in Hong Kong saw Robin Uthappa emerge as the standout performer for India, smashing 28 runs and playing a vital role in setting a target of 87. Pakistan, in reply, reached 41/1 in three overs when rain forced the match to pause. With conditions failing to improve, the result was ultimately decided by the DLS method, which handed India a narrow two-run victory.
The Hong Kong Sixes match had begun with Pakistan choosing to field after winning the toss, and Uthappa together with Bharat Chipli gave India early momentum. Uthappa’s 28 off just 11 deliveries featured two boundaries and three towering sixes, while Chipli contributed 24 off 13 with two fours and two maximums. Dinesh Karthik remained unbeaten on 17, taking India to 86/4 at the end of their six allotted overs.
Pakistan started their chase reasonably well before the rain interruption. Maaz Sadaqat, Khawaja Nafay, and Abdul Samad were among the contributors, with Maaz scoring seven from three balls, Khawaja striking 19 off nine, and Samad adding 16 off six deliveries. After three overs, Pakistan stood at 41 for the loss of one wicket and still needed 46 runs from 18 balls to win. With no resumption of play possible, India were declared winners under the DLS system, maintaining their upper hand in the rain-shortened contest. Mohammad Shahzad was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, claiming two wickets during India’s innings.
Interestingly, this India vs Pakistan match added another chapter to the recent pattern of tense post-match interactions between the two sides. The handshake tradition was once again avoided, echoing earlier incidents, such as the refusal of Suryakumar Yadav to shake hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha during the Asia Cup 2025, and similar decisions taken by the Indian men’s and women’s teams after their respective matches in recent tournaments. Led by Dinesh Karthik, the side continued that stance following their win in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Sixes, renowned for its quickfire six-player-a-side and six-overs-per-innings format, promises high-octane action this year. A total of 12 teams are set to take part, including powerhouses like India, Pakistan, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Afghanistan, alongside Nepal, UAE, Kuwait, and the hosts, Hong Kong, China.
