UAE Stun Defending Champions Pakistan in Hong Kong Sixes
The United Arab Emirates beat defending champions Pakistan by one wicket in their Hong Kong Sixes opener on Friday. The UAE beat Pakistan Hong Kong Sixes result came down to the final over at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, where a blistering innings from captain Khalid Shah turned the match around.
Pakistan, who won the toss and chose to bat first, posted 106 for two wickets in their six overs. Captain Abbas Afridi top-scored with 53 off just 13 balls, hitting one four and eight sixes at a strike rate of almost 408. Abdul Samad added 39 off 15 balls, with five fours and two sixes.
Khawaja Nafay managed three off four balls, while Irfan Khan Niazi scored eight off three balls, including one six. Saad Masood finished unbeaten on one. For the UAE, Muhammad Farooq and Maroof Merchant took one wicket each.
UAE beat Pakistan Hong Kong Sixes: Shah’s 71 off 20 balls
Chasing 107, the UAE reached 109 for five wickets in the final over. Khalid Shah led the chase with 71 off 20 balls, hitting three fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 355. Zahid Ali played a key supporting role with 22 off eight balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Muhammad Zuhaib contributed seven off four balls, including one six, and Maroof Merchant scored two off three balls. Ansh Tandon and Muhammad Farooq failed to score. For Pakistan, Afridi, Samad and Irfan Khan Niazi took one wicket each, but the defending champions could not defend their total.
The numbers show how fine the margin was. Pakistan scored at more than 17 runs an over, yet still lost, because Shah matched that pace and Zahid stayed with him at the end. In six-a-side cricket, one innings of 20 balls can settle a match, and Shah’s innings did exactly that.
UAE beat Pakistan Hong Kong Sixes: what it means for Group C
The defeat leaves Pakistan with work to do in Group C. Their next match, against India later on Friday, now carries added weight. A second defeat would leave the defending champions facing an early exit, while a win would put their campaign back on track.
For the UAE, the win is a statement result. Beating the defending champions in the tournament opener, in a last-over finish, gives them two points and early control of the group. Shah’s innings will also raise expectations for their remaining matches.
Pakistan’s batting was not the problem. Afridi’s 53 off 13 balls and Samad’s 39 off 15 balls gave them a total most sides would defend in six overs. The problem was a chase built around one outstanding innings, which Pakistan’s bowlers could not stop once Shah found his range.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in the Pakistan vs UAE Hong Kong Sixes match?
Pakistan scored 106 for two wickets in six overs. The UAE replied with 109 for five wickets to win by one wicket in the final over.
Who top-scored for Pakistan?
Captain Abbas Afridi top-scored with 53 off 13 balls, including one four and eight sixes.
Who won the match for the UAE?
Captain Khalid Shah scored 71 off 20 balls, with three fours and nine sixes, and Zahid Ali added 22 off eight balls.
Who do Pakistan play next in the Hong Kong Sixes?
Pakistan face India in their second Group C match later on Friday.
