Pakistan Chase 89 in 3.5 Overs to Beat India

Abbas Afridi hit five straight balls over the boundary in the opening over of Pakistan’s chase, taking 31 runs off India captain Krunal Pandya. Pakistan needed 89; after one over, they needed just 58 more. They reached 91 for two in 3.5 overs, beating India by four wickets in their Hong Kong Sixes Group C match on Friday. ^1,2

That 31-run over followed India’s innings of 88 for five in six overs. Shashank Singh kept India in the game with 40 from 11 balls, including three sixes and a boundary in a 24-run over. Nitish Rana made 19 before retiring out, then Abdul Samad dismissed Rahul Tewatia and Krunal for ducks on their first balls. Ahmed Daniyal removed Shashank in the final over. In reply, Afridi made 35 from eight balls, and Khawaja Nafay finished unbeaten on 41 from 12. ^1,2

Shashank’s innings was the bright spot in an India total that left little room for error in this short, six-a-side tournament. Pakistan, the defending champions, had lost to the UAE earlier that day, so the win put them back in the running and moved them to the top of Group C. India fell to the bottom. Their chances now depend on their final group match, while the rules can make six-hitting count if teams finish level on points. ^3,5,12

India’s final group match is against the UAE on Saturday, November 1, according to the reports. If India win, all three Group C teams could finish level on points, with the team that hit the most sixes qualifying for the Cup category. Pakistan have finished their group matches and must wait for the standings to learn their next opponent. ^1,5