Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Defending Champions Pakistan Fall Short in Cup

Hong Kong – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Defending champions Pakistan have been knocked out of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 Cup. Their hopes of a seventh title have now come to an end.

The team beat arch-rivals India in style. But an early loss to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hurt them badly. They finished second in Group C, and that was not enough to move ahead.

Pakistan’s trouble started on Friday. Captain Abbas Afridi led the side in their opening match against the UAE.

Pakistan batted first and scored 106 for 3 in six overs. Afridi hit a fiery 53 to power the innings.

The UAE then played a brilliant chase. They reached 107 on the very last ball and won by one wicket.

Pakistan bounced back in the next game against India. Their bowlers kept India to 88 for 5.

The chase was quick and clean. Pakistan reached 91 for 2 in just 3.5 overs.

Khawaja Nafay top-scored with a bold 41. Afridi added a fast 35 to seal the win.

Sadly, the result did not save them. The UAE beat India soon after and moved to the top of Group C.

India scored 95 in that match. The UAE chased it down in four overs without losing a single wicket.

That strong run gave the UAE first place. Pakistan had to settle for second, and the group format left them out of the main Cup.

Fans will feel the pain of this early exit. Pakistan came in as the title holders and looked strong against India. One close defeat made all the difference.

The Hong Kong Sixes 2026 shows how small mistakes can cost a team in this fast format. Every ball matters in just six overs.