India endured a difficult campaign at the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes on Saturday, suffering consecutive defeats against the United Arab Emirates and England at Mong Kok. Led by Krunal Pandya, the Indian squad dropped their final group game to the UAE before falling narrowly short in a thrilling Bowl semifinal clash against England.
Following these disappointing results, India will now face Bangladesh in the 11th-12th place playoff match on Sunday to wrap up their tournament fixtures.
- India suffered a six-wicket defeat against the UAE in their final Group C encounter after being restricted to 94/6 in six overs.
- T. Natarajan played a crucial knock of 38 not out from 14 deliveries against the UAE, featuring three fours and four sixes.
- In the Bowl semifinal against England, Rahul Tripathi smashed a blistering 56 off 14 balls with seven sixes.
- Despite Tripathi and Krunal Pandya’s late heroics, India fell just three runs short, finishing their innings at 121/4 in response to England’s 124/2.
Match Situation and Group Stage Struggles
India’s troubles began in the group match against the UAE when Zahid Ali tore through the top order, reducing the side to 14/3. Although Rahul Tripathi and Krunal Pandya attempted to stabilize the innings, it took a late onslaught from Natarajan to push the total near the hundred-run mark. The UAE chase proved straightforward, with captain Khalid Shah and Ansh Tandon overhauling the target in just 4.2 overs without losing a wicket.
Bowl Semifinal Heartbreak
The subsequent Bowl semifinal against England offered a much closer contest. Martin Andersson led the English charge with 51 off 13 balls alongside Ed Barnard’s unbeaten 35 to set a target of 125. Tripathi countered aggressively with his rapid half-century, while Krunal added a quickfire 28 off seven balls. However, the deficit proved too steep as the innings concluded at 121, sealing India’s fate in the lower bracket.
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