The 2025 Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, running from November 7 to 9 at the Kowloon Cricket Club, has brought thrilling, fast-paced action as 12 teams from across the globe battle it out in the unique six-a-side format. By the close of play on November 8, the competition had reached its crucial stages, featuring standout performances, last-ball finishes, and a lively mix of experienced campaigners and emerging stars.
India XI and England XI have led the way so far, both registering dominant wins in their group stages. India, featuring the likes of Robin Uthappa and Bharat Chipli, followed up their narrow DLS win over Pakistan XI in the opening fixture with another emphatic victory against Sri Lanka XI. Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh were particularly effective in clearing the ropes, while left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh impressed with clever variations in the death overs — a crucial skill in the six-a-side format.
England XI, meanwhile, have displayed classic Sixes-style aggression. Led by captain Sam Billings, the side posted totals regularly exceeding 100 in five overs, with Will Jacks and Phil Salt leading the charge. Their comprehensive win over Australia XI put them among the tournament favourites heading into the knockout rounds. South Africa XI also remain in contention after strong showings from Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs, who both combined explosive stroke play with sharp fielding in the compact ground dimensions.
Among the surprise packages, Nepal XI and Hong Kong XI have drawn attention for their resilience and local flair. Nepal’s skipper Rohit Paudel anchored his side to a crucial win over Bangladesh XI, marking one of the tournament’s most-watched fixtures. Hong Kong XI, cheered on by the home crowd, stunned West Indies XI with a thrilling two-run victory — thanks to a late blitz from Kinchit Shah and disciplined bowling from Ayush Shukla.
Pakistan XI, despite a narrow defeat to India in their opener, bounced back with a comfortable win over Australia XI, driven by Fakhar Zaman’s fireworks and Imad Wasim’s economical spells. However, inconsistency has hampered their progress, and they now face a must-win scenario heading into the final day.
The second day also saw a memorable contest between Sri Lanka XI and Afghanistan XI, where Najibullah Zadran’s quickfire 35 off 11 balls helped Afghanistan snatch victory in dramatic fashion. The win kept Afghanistan’s semifinal hopes alive and added further unpredictability to Group B.
The format, played with five overs per side and only five fielders on the park, continues to produce a blend of chaos and entertainment. Spectators have lauded the tournament’s festival-like atmosphere, with music, fan zones, and youth cricket clinics contributing to the revival of one of Hong Kong’s most iconic cricket events.
Heading into the final day on November 9, India XI, England XI, and South Africa XI look poised to reach the semifinals, while Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal remain in the hunt depending on results in the morning fixtures. With high scores, sharp fielding, and a few upsets already behind us, the 2025 Hong Kong Cricket Sixes has reaffirmed its place as cricket’s most exhilarating short-format showcase.
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