The 2025 edition of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes began in spectacular fashion, as India XI edged out Pakistan XI by just two runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected thriller at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. The match, played on the opening day of the tournament, set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested event featuring some of the most entertaining short-format cricket in the world.
India’s innings began with characteristic aggression. Dinesh Karthik, captaining the side, opted for an attacking start that saw openers Robin Uthappa and Bharat Chipli go hard from the outset. Uthappa’s explosive 28 from 11 balls, featuring three sixes and two boundaries, anchored India’s innings, while Chipli added 24 off 13 deliveries. Despite losing a couple of quick wickets toward the end, India posted a competitive 86 for 4 in their six overs — a solid total in the high-risk, high-reward six-a-side format.
Pakistan, chasing under slightly overcast conditions, started positively through their openers, racing to 41 for 1 within three overs. Just as they began to find rhythm and shift the pressure back onto India, heavy rain interrupted play. The stoppage proved decisive. After a lengthy delay, the match was curtailed and the DLS calculations came into effect, handing India a narrow two-run victory.
While the DLS method has often been a point of contention in limited-overs cricket, this time it tilted fortune in India’s favor. Stuart Binny’s tight second over, which conceded only seven runs and included a key wicket, proved crucial in containing Pakistan’s momentum before the rain arrived. The disciplined bowling, combined with India’s aggressive early batting, ensured they stayed marginally ahead when the skies opened up.
The match carried all the hallmarks of the India-Pakistan rivalry — intensity, emotion, and drama. Even in the fast-paced sixes format, both teams played with remarkable intent. For India, this narrow win serves as a strong start to their campaign, offering confidence as they eye progression to the knockout stage. Pakistan, meanwhile, will see it as a missed opportunity. With limited matches in the pool, every result counts heavily, and this defeat leaves them with little margin for error.
Beyond the result, the game highlighted the unique appeal of the Hong Kong Sixes. The condensed format, featuring just five overs per side and six players on the field, rewards fearless hitting and sharp fielding. It is designed to deliver entertainment in short bursts — and the opening clash between India and Pakistan did exactly that.
With the tournament running from November 7 to 9, both sides will now turn their attention to upcoming group fixtures. India will look to maintain momentum and secure an early semifinal berth, while Pakistan must regroup quickly. But regardless of standings, this thrilling DLS-decided finish reaffirmed why every India-Pakistan encounter, regardless of format, remains cricket’s most electrifying spectacle.
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