Defending champions Pakistan have been eliminated from the main Cup competition of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, ending their hopes of securing a record-extending seventh title.
Despite registering a convincing victory over arch-rivals India, Pakistan’s narrow defeat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opening Group C fixture proved costly, as they finished second in the standings.
Led by Abbas Afridi, Pakistan suffered a heartbreaking setback against the UAE on Friday after failing to defend a competitive total of 106 for three in their allotted six overs.
Afridi spearheaded the batting effort with an explosive 53-run knock, but the UAE successfully chased down the target on the final delivery to claim a dramatic one-wicket victory.
Pakistan returned to winning ways in their second group encounter, producing a dominant performance against India. Their bowlers restricted India to 88 for five before the defending champions completed the chase in just 3.5 overs, reaching 91 for two.
Khawaja Nafay played a key role in the successful chase, smashing 41 runs, while captain Afridi contributed a quickfire 35 to seal a comprehensive eight-wicket victory.
However, Pakistan’s win was not enough to secure qualification for the main Cup semi-finals as the UAE topped Group C by winning both their matches.
The Emirates side confirmed their top position with an emphatic victory over India, chasing down the target of 96 runs without losing a wicket in just four overs after India posted 95. Under the tournament’s qualification system, only group winners progress to the main Cup semi-finals, while second-placed teams move into the Plate competition and third-placed sides compete in the Bowl event. Pakistan will now turn their attention to the Plate tournament, where they are scheduled to face hosts Hong Kong in the second semi-final on Saturday.
