Hong Kong Sixes 2025: India Exits After Consecutive Defeats
The Indian cricket team, led by Dinesh Karthik, suffered a series of losses on Saturday at the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 held in Mong Kok, falling short of qualifying for the quarterfinals.
Group Stage Struggles
India lost all three of its group stage matches. After a 27-run defeat to Kuwait in the final group game, India was eliminated from contention. Chasing a target of 107, the team was dismissed for 79 runs for six wickets. Kuwait’s Yasin Patel delivered a strong performance, taking three wickets for just 23 runs.
“Following the result, Pakistan and Kuwait advanced to the quarterfinals, while India dropped into the ‘Bowl’ matches.”
Bowl Stage Challenges
In the Bowl round against the UAE, India’s batting showed flashes of brilliance. Abhimanyu Mithun smashed 50 off 16 balls, and Dinesh Karthik added 42 from 14 deliveries. However, India’s total of 108 proved insufficient as UAE’s Khalid Shah powered his side with a rapid 50 off 14 balls, guiding them to a four-wicket victory.
Final Match Against Nepal
India’s difficulties persisted in the final match against Nepal. The Nepalese team put up a commanding 137 for no loss in six overs and bowled India out for just 45 for six wickets. Rashid Khan was the standout performer for Nepal, scoring 55 off 17 balls and taking three wickets.
Summary
Australia and Pakistan progressed to the knockout stages, while India concluded its tournament run in disappointment.
Author’s Summary: India endured a tough outing at the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, losing all matches to Kuwait, UAE, and Nepal, and exiting before the quarterfinals.