UAE defeated India. (Photo- Hong Kong Sixes)
The Indian team had started the Hong Kong International Succession 2025 in a brilliant manner. At the beginning of the tournament, India impressed everyone by defeating a strong rival like Pakistan, but on the very next day, luck took a turn. After losing to Kuwait in another Pool C match, United Arab Emirates (UAE) surprised India in the first match of the ball round. In this thrilling match played at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, UAE, chasing a big target, defeated India by 4 wickets.
Bad start cost India dearly
In this 6-6 over match played between the two teams, UAE won the toss and invited India to bat first, which probably proved to be right for them. The problem increased due to India losing early wickets. Opener Bharat Chipli was caught out on the ball of Neelansh Keswani after scoring only 4 runs. Stuart Binny could not even open his account on the very next ball and became the victim of Neelansh Keswani. Then for the third wicket, Priyank Panchal was also out after facing just one ball, due to which India’s score was reduced to just 12/3 in 1.4 overs. It seemed as if the entire team would collapse quickly.
But Abhimanyu Mithun and Dinesh Karthik made the team comeback. Before being retired hurt, Abhimanyu Mithun scored 50 runs in 16 balls, which included 4 fours and 5 sixes. On the other end, Dinesh Karthik scored 42 runs in 14 balls, in which 4 fours and 4 sixes were seen from his bat. Due to which the Indian team scored 107 runs for 3 wickets in 6 overs. But this target proved to be small in front of the UAE team.
UAE introduced bowlers’ class
In response to this target, UAE had a very explosive start. UAE captain Khalid Shah played an inning of 50 runs in just 14 balls. In which 4 fours and 5 big sixes were seen. At the same time, Sagir Khan also turned the match towards UAE by scoring 31 runs in 11 balls. After this, Muhammad Arfan scored 20 runs in 5 balls and took the team to victory. UAE achieved this target in 5.5 overs at the loss of 2 wickets.