Hong Kong Sixes: India Lose to Kuwait and UAE After Win Over Pakistan

After an impressive start to their Hong Kong Sixes 2025 campaign with a thrilling win against Pakistan, Team India, led by Dinesh Karthik, endured a tough Saturday as they suffered back-to-back defeats against Kuwait and the UAE. The two consecutive losses dented India’s momentum in the fast-paced six-a-side tournament held at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong.

India Falter Against Kuwait

India began the day against Kuwait with confidence after their emotional victory over Pakistan but were soon brought back to reality. Kuwait’s batting lineup, led by skipper Yashin Patel, turned the tide in stunning fashion. After India reduced Kuwait to 38/4 in just over three overs, Patel played a sensational innings, smashing 58 runs off just 14 balls, propelling his side to 106/5 in six overs.

India’s death bowling was a major concern. Dinesh Karthik and Priyank Panchal leaked 23 and 32 runs respectively in the final two overs, undoing the early breakthroughs.

In reply, India’s batting crumbled under pressure. Robin Uthappa fell for a first-ball duck, and the top order failed to cope with Kuwait’s tight line and length. Abhimanyu Mithun provided brief resistance with a 26-run cameo off nine balls, but the chase fizzled out at 79/6 in 5.4 overs, handing Kuwait a comfortable victory.

UAE Outclass India in Second Match

India’s struggles continued in their second game against the UAE, where early wickets once again derailed their innings. The top order — Bharat Chipli, Priyank Panchal, and Stuart Binny — departed cheaply, leaving the side reeling at 12/3 within two overs.

A spirited fightback came from Abhimanyu Mithun and Dinesh Karthik, who added a blazing 90-run partnership. Mithun retired hurt after a brilliant 50 off just 16 balls, while Karthik remained unbeaten on 42 off 14, taking India to a respectable 107/3.

However, India’s bowling woes continued. UAE’s openers Khalid Shah and Sagir Khan counter-attacked fiercely, adding 86 runs in just 4.3 overs. Despite a late wicket, UAE comfortably chased down the target with a ball to spare, sealing a convincing four-wicket win.

Earlier Triumph Over Pakistan

India had earlier opened their campaign in dramatic fashion, edging past Pakistan by two runs in a rain-curtailed encounter. Batting first, India posted 86 runs in six overs before restricting Pakistan to 41/1 in three overs, two runs short of the DLS target.

India’s Campaign in Balance

With one win and two defeats, India’s path to the knockout stage now depends on a strong finish and favorable results in other matches. Despite the setbacks, the team’s fighting spirit, especially from Mithun and Karthik, has offered positives.

As the tournament progresses, India will aim to regroup, tighten their bowling, and revive their campaign in what remains one of cricket’s most entertaining and unpredictable formats — the Hong Kong Sixes.