Hong Kong, Nov 1: India signed off their Hong Kong Sixes 2026 campaign on a winning note, registering a thrilling five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Bowl Division playoff after chasing down a target of 117 on the final ball of the match here.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, produced a breathtaking run chase against Australia to secure a four-wicket victory and lift their maiden Hong Kong Sixes title.
After being put in to bat, Bangladesh made a flying start, smashing 24 runs in the opening over. However, skipper Krunal Pandya struck thrice in his two-over spell, dismissing Sabbir Rahman, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury and Mohammad Rizwan to check the opposition’s momentum.
Bangladesh captain Abu Hider kept the Indian bowlers at bay with a sensational unbeaten 62 off just 18 deliveries, including three fours and eight sixes, powering his side to 116 in six overs.
Chasing the target, India got off to a blazing start through Shashank Singh and Rahul Tripathi, who stitched together a 69-run opening stand. Tripathi contributed 32 off 12 balls, while Shashank continued his impressive form with a blistering 50 off just 15 deliveries, including a boundary and seven sixes.
With 23 runs required in the final over, Rahul Tewatia and Nitish Rana held their nerve under pressure to take India across the finish line on the final ball, completing a memorable victory.
The win provided a positive end to India’s campaign after their earlier defeat to England in the Bowl Division semifinal, where they had fallen short by three runs. (PTI)
