India was captained by Krunal Pandya, while Abbas Afridi led the Pakistan team.
India struggled in new conditions as Rahul Tripathi made 5 runs in 9 balls, while Nitish Rana was retired after making 19 in 14 balls. Rahul Tewatia and Krunal Pandya got out for golden ducks, but it was Shashank Singh’s 40 off 11 balls, hitting 2 fours and 5 sixes, and T. Natarajan. Who smashed 12* in 6 balls to power India to 88/5 in 6 overs?
In response, Khawaja Nafay made 41 off 12 balls, and Abbas Afridi made 35 off 8 balls as Pakistan won by 8 wickets in 3.5 overs only.
After Pakistan won the game, their prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, took to X to congratulate the Men in Green. He also commended PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi as well for preparing and supporting the Pakistan team.
“Congratulations to our boys on a superb four-wicket victory over India in the opening clash of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026! It was a good game of cricket. I also commend Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for their dedicated efforts in preparing and supporting our players.” Sharif posted on X.
While Sharif’s gesture for the Pakistan team was noble, cricket fans on social media site X (Twitter) collectively mocked the Pakistan PM for congratulating the team on a win over India in a format that isn’t even internationally recognized and is more of a novel factor.
Check out some reactions here: