The United Arab Emirates produced a devastating batting display to defeat India by six wickets at the Hong Kong Sixes, chasing down a 95-run target in just 4.2 overs and ending India’s hopes of reaching the Cup semi-finals.
The Group C encounter at Mission Road Ground in Hong Kong was decided almost entirely by the UAE’s explosive response with the bat, after the tournament favourites had been restricted to a modest total.
India Restricted to 94 for Six
Having won the toss and elected to field, the UAE made early inroads and never allowed India to build sustained momentum across the six-over innings.
- Natarajan top-scored with 38 runs off just 14 deliveries.
- Rahul Tripathi contributed a brisk 24 from seven balls.
- Zahid Ali led the UAE bowling with three wickets.
- Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Faraz claimed one wicket each.
India finished their allotted six overs on 94 for the loss of six wickets, a total that proved far from sufficient on a ground known for its short boundaries.
Khalid Shah Leads Record Chase
The UAE reply was ruthless from the outset. Captain Khalid Shah anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52 off only 14 balls, striking three fours and six sixes in a display of clean, fearless hitting.
He was ably supported by Ansh Tandon, who remained not out on 39 from 12 deliveries, smashing five sixes and two boundaries. The pair completed the chase without losing a single wicket, reaching the target with 10 balls to spare.
What It Means
The result eliminates India from contention for the Cup semi-finals, a significant setback for a side that entered the tournament among the leading contenders. For the UAE, the victory stands as one of their most convincing performances in the competition’s recent history, built on disciplined bowling and explosive top-order batting.
The UAE will now look to carry that momentum into the knockout stages, while India face a period of reflection after a campaign that promised much but ended prematurely.
