Hong Kong: Pakistan defeated India by four wickets in a high-scoring Group C encounter at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 on Friday, October 30. Despite an explosive innings from Shashank Singh, who smashed 40 runs off just 11 deliveries, India managed only 88 for five in six overs. Pakistan chased down the target in 3.5 overs, finishing at 91 for two.

The match at Mission Road Ground saw Shashank provide India with a late surge, but Pakistan’s aggressive response, led by Khawaja Nafay and Abbas Afridi, proved decisive. The victory helped Pakistan recover after their earlier defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Shashank Singh powers India to 88

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to field, giving India the opportunity to bat first. India lost Rahul Tripathi early, with the opener scoring nine runs off five balls.

Nitish Rana and Shashank Singh then attempted to rebuild the innings. Rana contributed 19 runs from 14 deliveries before retiring out, while Shashank accelerated the scoring with an attacking display.

Shashank struck 40 off only 11 balls, including two fours and five sixes. His strike rate of 363.63 put pressure on the Pakistani bowlers and gave India a late boost.

However, India suffered a collapse towards the end of the innings. Rahul Tewatia and captain Krunal Pandya were dismissed for golden ducks, while Shashank also lost his wicket. T. Natarajan remained unbeaten on 12 from six deliveries.

India finished with 88 runs for five wickets in their allotted six overs. Abdul Samad was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 10 runs in one over.

Pakistan openers launch aggressive chase

Pakistan began their chase with an aggressive approach. Openers Abbas Afridi and Khawaja Nafay immediately put the Indian bowlers under pressure, scoring freely and building a match-changing partnership.

The pair added 59 runs in just 13 balls before Abbas was dismissed. He scored 35 off eight deliveries, including one four and five sixes.

Nafay continued the assault, scoring 41 from only 12 balls. His innings included two fours and five sixes, taking Pakistan close to the target.

Pakistan reached 91 for two in 3.5 overs, completing the chase with 13 balls remaining. The four-wicket victory reflected the visitors’ remarkable scoring rate in the short-format contest.

Krunal Pandya concedes five sixes in an over

One of the decisive moments of the match came during Krunal Pandya’s opening over in Pakistan’s chase. The India captain conceded five sixes in the over as Pakistan’s batters attacked from the beginning.

Krunal finished with figures of 31 runs without a wicket from his single over. T. Natarajan also had an expensive outing, conceding 28 runs in one over.

Shashank Singh provided one of India’s few bowling contributions, taking a wicket for 14 runs in his over. Rahul Tewatia also claimed a wicket, but Pakistan had already built substantial momentum.

The opening partnership between Abbas and Nafay meant that India had little opportunity to recover from the expensive overs.

Pakistan recover after defeat against UAE

Pakistan entered the match after losing their opening Group C fixture against the UAE by two wickets. Their victory over India therefore provided an important response in the group stage.

The result moved Pakistan to the top of Group C, while India’s qualification prospects became dependent on their remaining group match against the UAE.

India will need a strong performance in that encounter to keep their campaign moving forward. The team will also look to address the expensive bowling spells and improve its overall execution.

Shashank’s innings remains a major highlight

Although India lost the contest, Shashank’s 11-ball 40 stood out as one of the innings of the match. His five sixes and two boundaries helped India recover from an early setback and post a competitive total in the six-over format.

However, Pakistan’s openers produced an even faster response. Nafay and Abbas combined for 76 runs between them, with their attacking approach taking the game away from India.

Abbas Afridi was named Player of the Match for his contribution with the bat and ball. Pakistan’s victory leaves India with work to do in their remaining Group C fixture as the Hong Kong Sixes tournament progresses.