Defending champions Pakistan have been eliminated from the main Cup competition at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, ending their hopes of securing a seventh title.
Despite defeating arch-rivals India convincingly, Pakistan’s narrow loss to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opening match proved costly. The Abbas Afridi-led side finished second in Group C and missed out on a place in the main Cup semi-finals.
Pakistan Suffer Dramatic Defeat Against UAE
Pakistan faced an early setback on Friday after losing a thrilling opening match against the UAE.
Batting first, Pakistan posted an impressive 106 for 3 in their allotted six overs. Captain Abbas Afridi led the innings with a blistering 53-run knock.
However, the UAE responded with a remarkable chase, reaching the 107-run target on the final delivery to secure a dramatic one-wicket victory.
The defeat left Pakistan needing a strong performance in their remaining group fixture to keep their hopes alive.
Pakistan Beat India in Dominant Fashion
Pakistan bounced back emphatically against India in their second group match.
The bowling attack restricted India to 88 for 5 in six overs. Pakistan then chased down the target in just 3.5 overs, finishing at 91 for 2.
Khawaja Nafay led the charge with an aggressive 41, while Afridi contributed a quickfire 35 to guide Pakistan to a comprehensive victory.
Despite the convincing win, Pakistan’s fate depended on the outcome of the UAE-India match.
UAE Secure Group C’s Only Main Cup Semi-Final Spot
The UAE defeated India in their final group match to finish at the top of Group C and secure the only main Cup semi-final spot available from the group.
India posted 95 runs, but the UAE chased down the target without losing a wicket in just four overs.
The result confirmed Pakistan’s second-place finish, despite their victory over India.
Under the tournament format, only group winners advance to the main Cup semi-finals. The runners-up move into the Plate semi-finals, while third-placed teams compete in the Bowl semi-finals.
Pakistan to Play in Plate Semi-Final
Pakistan will now compete in the Plate tournament instead of defending their Hong Kong Sixes title.
The team is scheduled to face hosts Hong Kong in the second Plate semi-final on Saturday.
Although Pakistan produced a dominant performance against India, their opening-match defeat to the UAE ultimately ended their hopes of progressing in the main Cup competition.
