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The Hong Kong Sixes 2025 continues to deliver electrifying cricket, and Friday witnessed a classic encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. In a rain-affected Pool C clash at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, India secured a dramatic two-run victory over Pakistan, decided by the DLS method.
Despite weather interruptions shortening the contest, fans were treated to a spectacle of flair, power-hitting, and nail-biting drama before the skies opened up.
India Edges Pakistan in Thrilling Hong Kong Sixes 2025 Clash
India showcased their batting prowess first, setting a competitive total of 86 for 4 in their allotted six overs. The innings was powered by a dazzling display from veteran Robin Uthappa.
Uthappa smashed an explosive 28 runs off just 11 balls, featuring three towering sixes and two fours, setting an aggressive tone early on. Bharat Chipli provided stability with a well-made 24 off 13 deliveries, anchoring the middle overs.
Captain Dinesh Karthik added a crucial late flourish, remaining unbeaten with 17 runs off just six balls. Despite Pakistan’s bowlers tightening their lines in the final over, India posted a challenging target on what was already a damp outfield.
Pakistan’s Strong Start Cut Short by Rain
Pakistan’s chase began with intent, as opener Khawaja Nafay hammered 18 runs off the very first over, signaling their aggressive intentions. However, India’s Stuart Binny brought his team back into contention with a disciplined second over, dismissing Maaz Sadaqat for seven.
Pakistan appeared to be cruising at 41 for 1 after three overs, with Nafay (18 off 9) and Abdul Samad (16 off 6) looking comfortable at the crease. Their promising partnership, however, was abruptly halted as heavy rain swept across the ground, forcing a stoppage in play.
DLS Method Decides a Nail-Biting Finish
Following multiple inspections, the umpires ultimately decided to call off the match due to the persistent rain. The DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method was then invoked to determine the winner.
The calculations revealed that Pakistan fell just two runs short of the par score, handing India a hard-fought victory. Stuart Binny’s economical spell of 1 for 7 proved pivotal in tilting the game in India’s favor, stemming the flow of runs when it mattered most.
For his breathtaking display of power-hitting that set the foundation for India’s score, Robin Uthappa was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
Tournament Standings and What’s Next
This crucial win propelled India to the top of Pool C with two points. Pakistan, despite a valiant effort, slipped to second place, having now registered one win and one loss from their two outings. Kuwait currently sits at the bottom of the table, still searching for their first victory.
Hong Kong Sixes 2025 Format at a Glance
- Each team plays a single round-robin within their designated pool.
- The top two sides from each group automatically advance to the highly anticipated quarterfinals.
- This is followed by thrilling knockout stages, leading to the ultimate classification matches to determine the final tournament standings.
Conclusion
The India-Pakistan clash at the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 delivered all the excitement and drama expected from such a rivalry, even with the DLS method playing a decisive role. India’s explosive batting, spearheaded by Robin Uthappa, combined with timely bowling, secured a vital win. As the tournament progresses, expect more fast-paced, high-stakes cricket in this exhilarating short format.
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