Abbas Afridi’s explosive knock humiliates India as Pakistan win in 3.5 overs at Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Pakistan defeated India in a one-sided contest at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 on Friday at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok. Chasing a target of 86 runs, Pakistan completed the chase in just 3.5 overs to register a four-wicket victory. Abbas Afridi and Khawaja Nafay played key roles in their team's impressive performance.

India scored 85 runs in their allotted six overs, with Shashank Singh leading the batting effort. He smashed 40 runs off just 11 balls, while Nitish Rana scored 19 off 14 deliveries before being retired out. Shashank's quick innings helped India post a competitive total, but their bowlers struggled to defend it.

Pakistan got off to a flying start, scoring 31 runs without losing a wicket in the first over. Captain Abbas Afridi then played an explosive knock of 35 runs off just eight balls, while Khawaja Nafay also contributed with the bat. Their aggressive approach helped Pakistan chase down the target in only 3.5 overs and hand India a disappointing defeat.

What happened: Abbas Afridi’s 35 off 8 balls powers Pakistan past India at Hong Kong Sixes 2026

India scored 88 runs in their allotted six overs after batting first against Pakistan at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. However, the Men in Blue failed to put up a strong total, as several batters struggled to score quickly in the six-a-side format. Their batting effort was later overshadowed by Pakistan's aggressive run chase.

Pakistan got off to a flying start, scoring 31 runs without losing a wicket in the first over. Captain Abbas Afridi led the attack with an explosive knock, taking full advantage of India's bowling mistakes. He smashed five consecutive sixes off the final five deliveries of the opening over to put Pakistan in control.

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India also struggled to make an impact with the ball. Krunal Pandya conceded 31 runs in the opening over, while Rahul Tripathi scored only nine runs with the bat. Nitish Rana failed to make a big contribution, while Rahul Tewatia and captain Krunal Pandya were dismissed for golden ducks. Pakistan capitalised on India's poor performance to complete a comfortable victory.

How Pakistan chased it down in 3.5 overs: Key match details

Pakistan, the defending champions, chased down India's target in just 3.5 overs at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. They finished on 91/2, winning the match with 2.1 overs to spare. The victory was set up by an explosive opening partnership between Khawaja Nafay and captain Abbas Afridi.

Nafay and Afridi added 59 runs in just 2.1 overs. Nafay scored 41 off 12 balls, including two fours and five sixes, while Afridi smashed 35 off just eight deliveries with one four and five sixes. Shashank Singh dismissed Afridi, while Rahul Tewatia took Nafay's wicket with the help of a catch by Thangarasu Natarajan.

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Abdul Samad scored seven runs off three balls, while Irfan Khan hit a six off his only delivery to complete the chase. Earlier, India had posted 88 runs in six overs, with Shashank Singh top-scoring with 40 off 11 balls. Nitish Rana made 19 off 14 balls before retiring out, while Thangarasu Natarajan remained unbeaten on 12 off six deliveries.

Fan reactions and what's next for India and Pakistan

Pakistan's dominant victory over India at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 sparked strong reactions on social media. Fans praised Abbas Afridi and Khawaja Nafay for their explosive batting, while many expressed disappointment over India's performance. Abbas's five consecutive sixes in the opening over became one of the biggest talking points among cricket fans.

Several fans also highlighted Pakistan's quick chase, as the defending champions reached the target in just 3.5 overs. India's bowling performance, particularly Krunal Pandya's expensive opening over, drew criticism from fans. The result added to the excitement of the tournament and gave Pakistan a strong start.

Pakistan will look to continue their winning momentum in their upcoming Hong Kong Sixes matches. India, meanwhile, will aim to learn from their opening defeat and improve their batting and bowling performances in the remaining fixtures. Both teams will be keen to make a strong comeback as the tournament progresses.