SURYA Now Desk: Team India suffered a commanding six-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their Group C encounter at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 tournament held at the Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok. Chasing a target of 95 runs, UAE chased it down with absolute ease in just 4.2 overs.
Rahul Tripathi’s Brief Fireworks Go in Vain
Asked to bat first, India faced early jolts, slipping to 9/2 inside the first over after losing Rahul Tewatia and Nitish Rana cheaply to Zahid Ali. Regular wickets pegged India back as Shashank Singh also fell cheaply.
However, Rahul Tripathi played an explosive cameo to rescue the innings. Tripathi smashed 24 runs off just 7 balls, striking at an incredible rate of 342.86, laced with three massive sixes and a boundary. Despite his aggressive intent, Zahid Ali dismissed him, caught by Mohammed Faraazuddin, picking up his third wicket. Later, a quickfire knock from T. Natarajan (38 off 14 balls) and contributions from Krunal Pandya (15) pushed India's total to 94/6 in their allotted 6 overs. Zahid Ali was the pick of the UAE bowlers, clinching 3 wickets.
Khalid Shah and Ansh Tandon Run Riot
Defending 94, Indian bowlers had no answers to UAE's aggressive openers. Khalid Shah played a sensational, unbeaten knock of 52 runs off 14 balls (featuring 6 sixes and 3 fours), while Ansh Tandon provided stellar support with an undefeated 39 off 12 deliveries (5 sixes, 2 fours).
The duo stitched together an unbroken 97-run opening stand, helping UAE comfortably race to 97/0 in 4.2 overs and sealing a comprehensive 6-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare.
