India suffered a massive setback at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 as the Krunal Pandya-led team crashed out of the main cup championship race after losing both group matches. The Indian team had a disappointing campaign in Pool C, where they faced Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Their crushing defeats against Pakistan and the UAE have pushed them into the lower-tier Bowl competition, ending their hopes of winning the main trophy at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. Amid this, Auqib Nabi replaces Prasidh Krishna in India's squad for first three ODIs vs New Zealand.

Pakistan qualify for Plate Semi-Finals at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026

However, Pakistan survived an early scare and managed to qualify for the Plate semi-finals at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 despite losing their opening match against the UAE. The UAE produced a stunning performance by defeating both India and Pakistan to finish at the top of Pool C.

In the opening match, the UAE stunned Pakistan by winning a thrilling contest by one wicket on the final ball. However, Pakistan bounced back strongly against India, securing a four-wicket victory with 13 balls remaining.

Captain Abbas Afridi was the biggest star of the match as he smashed five consecutive sixes against Indian captain Krunal Pandya in the opening over. Amid this, Yashasvi Jaiswal the next Rishabh Pant? Fresh duck raises questions over India future.

India crash out of Cup Championship race at Hong Kong Sixes

After suffering a crushing defeat against their arch-rivals, the Indian team’s troubles continued in their final group match against the UAE. They failed to defend their total of 94 runs as the UAE chased down the target in just 4.2 overs and won the match by six wickets.

The UAE finished as Pool C toppers with four points and a massive net run rate of 3.269 after their thrilling victories over both India and Pakistan.

As a result, Pakistan qualified for the Cup semi-finals as the second-placed team from the group and will face Hong Kong China in the knockout stage.

On the other hand, India finished at the bottom of Pool C without earning a single point and was relegated to the Bowl competition in the Hong Kong Sixes 2026.

India is now facing England in Bowl Semi-final 2, while Pakistan will take on Hong Kong China in Plate Semi-final 2. Both matches are scheduled to take place at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Saturday, October 31.

Pakistan and India knocked out of Hong Kong Sixes 2026. https://t.co/Dk0cQGNk1G

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 31, 2026

Rahul Tripathi gives India early breakthrough against England in Hong Kong Sixes 2026 Bowl Semi-Final

After winning the toss, Inda opted to bowl first, and they made a good start, as Rahul Tripathi dismissed England captain John Simpson for 7 runs off 3 balls in the match.

India’s Playing 6: Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi (wk), Rahul Tewatia, Shashank Singh, Krunal Pandya (c), Kulwant Khejroliya

England’s Playing 6: Martin Andersson, John Simpson (c/wk), Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Luke Hollman, Jack Carson, Nathan Gilchrist, Dan Mousley, Ed Barnard