Dinesh Karthik-led India couldn't continue their winning momentum and suffered consecutive three defeats to crash out of Hong Kong Sixes. It not only ended India's campaign but also likely to finish at the very bottom of the 12-team tournament standings. India's only positive fixture came on Friday when they managed a tight 3-run victory over Pakistan via the DLS method.
India's campaign at Hong Kong Sixes ends
However, subsequent matches did not go to plan. India's struggles began as they dropped into the tournament’s consolation 'Bowl' category after finishing last in their initial pool. This relegation was a direct consequence of failing to chase down a target of 107 runs against Kuwait and being bowled out for just 79/6.
The failure against Kuwait highlighted a broader issue: the Indian batting unit struggled to match the power of their opponents throughout the competition. Even after dropping into the Bowl category, their difficulties persisted. Facing the UAE first, India managed to post 108 runs on the board, thanks to some power-hitting from Karthik and Abhimanyu Mithun. Unfortunately, their bowlers were unable to defend that target, leading to another loss.
India's challenging day concluded with a decisive defeat in their final match against Nepal. Nepal put on an incredible display of power-hitting, smashing 15 sixes in just 36 deliveries to pile up a massive score of 137 runs without losing a wicket. In response, the Indian side appeared helpless, being bowled out for a meager 45 runs and suffering a huge 92-run loss.
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Pakistan take semis entry
The team still has one final opportunity to register a win in the tournament, with a Bowl stage game remaining against Sri Lanka. However, given their current performance and a substantial net run-rate deficit, it seems highly unlikely that the Men in Blue will be able to lift themselves off the bottom of the 12-team tournament. Elsewhere in the tournament, Pakistan secured their spot in the semifinals in spectacular fashion. Abdul Samad was the hero, smashing 50 off only 10 deliveries to chase down 103 against South Africa. Australia also advanced to the semifinals and is scheduled to play Pakistan. The second semifinal will feature England taking on Kuwait for the remaining spot in the finals.