New Delhi: The Hong Kong Sixes 2025 action resumed on Saturday at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, delivering yet another day filled with exciting six-a-side contests and plenty of runs.
Australia and Pakistan secured victories in their respective matches and sealed their spots in the semifinals on Saturday. For India, however, it was a disappointing day as the team suffered three back-to-back defeats.
In their do-or-die Pool C match against Kuwait, India fell short by 27 runs, ending third in the group behind Kuwait (1st) and Pakistan (2nd). While chasing a target of 107, India were dismissed for 79/6, with Kuwait’s Yasin Patel impressive figures of 3/23. The outcome saw Pakistan and Kuwait move on to the quarterfinals, while India slipped into the Bowl stage.
India’s troubles continued in the Bowl stage
India’s troubles continued in the Bowl stage. Facing the UAE, Abhimanyu Mithun (50 off 16) and Dinesh Karthik (42 off 14) knock weren’t enough, as India couldn’t defend their total of 108. UAE’s Khalid Shah smashed a quick 50 off just 14 balls to guide his team to a four-wicket victory.
India’s final game against Nepal proved another difficult outing for the Men in Blue. Nepal dominated, posting a huge 137/0 in six overs, while India were bowled out for just 45/6, suffering a heavy 92-run defeat. Rashid Khan starred for Nepal with an all-round performance, scoring 55 off 17 balls and taking 3/7 with the ball.
Australia and Pakistan showcased commanding performance
Meanwhile, the quarterfinals witnessed commanding performance from Australia and Pakistan. Australia entered the semifinals with a 54-run victory over Bangladesh, with the help of blistering half-centuries from Ben McDermott (51 off 14) and captain Alex Ross (50 off 11), while Chris Green contributed with impressive bowling figures of 3/32.
Pakistan continued their dominant run, overcoming South Africa by five wickets. After South Africa set a modest total of 102/3, Pakistan chased it down in just 3.5 overs, with Abdul Samad unleashing a sensational 50 off only 10 balls to steer his team into the semifinals.
Australia will now face Pakistan in the first semi final on November 9, whereas India will play their final bowl game against Sri Lanka.