Pakistan knocked out of Hong Kong Sixes title race despite beating India

Defending champions Pakistan have been eliminated from the main Cup competition of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, ending their hopes of securing a record-extending seventh title. Despite registering a convincing victory over arch-rivals India, Pakistan's narrow defeat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opening Group C fixture proved costly, as they finished second in the standings. Led by Abbas Afridi, Pakistan suffered a heartbreaking setback against the UAE on Friday after failing to defend a competitive total of 106 for three in their allotted six overs. Afridi spearheaded the batting effort with an explosive 53-run knock, but the UAE successfully chased down the target on the final delivery to claim a dramatic one-wicket victory. Pakistan returned to winning ways in their second group encounter, producing a dominant performance against India. Their bowlers restricted India to 88 for five before the defending champions completed the chase in just 3.5 overs, reaching 91 for two. Khawaja Nafay played a key role in the successful chase, smashing 41 runs, while captain Afridi contributed a quickfire 35 to seal a comprehensive eight-wicket victory. However, Pakistan's win was not enough to secure qualification for the main Cup semi-finals as the UAE topped Group C by winning both their matches. The Emirates side confirmed their top position with an emphatic victory over India, chasing down the target of 96 runs without losing a wicket in just four overs after India posted 95. Under the tournament's qualification system, only group winners progress to the main Cup semi-finals, while second-placed teams move into the Plate competition and third-placed sides compete in the Bowl event. Pakistan will now turn their attention to the Plate tournament, where they are scheduled to face hosts Hong Kong in the second semi-final on Saturday.