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MONG KOK: Rain robbed Pakistan of a potential comeback as India claimed a narrow two-run win via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method in a pulsating Hong Kong Sixes clash at the Mission Road Ground on Friday.
In pursuit of 87, Pakistan came out firing with Khawaja Nafay leading the charge.
The right-hander flicked Abhimanyu Mithun for four before launching two consecutive sixes to set the tone. With 18 runs coming off the opening over, Pakistan looked well in control of the chase.
However, Stuart Binny struck back in the following over after being hit for a six by Maaz Sadaqat, dismissing him for seven.
Despite the setback, Nafay kept Pakistan afloat, striking Shahbaz Nadeem for a boundary and a six in the third over to take his team to 41-1.
Just when momentum seemed to be shifting towards Pakistan, the rain arrived, halting play and ultimately deciding the contest.
At the time of interruption, India were ahead on the DLS calculations, sealing a two-run victory in a game that promised a thrilling finish.
Earlier, India’s top order set a strong platform with Robin Uthappa and Bharat Chipli attacking from the start.
Uthappa struck two fours and three sixes in his 28 off 12 before falling to Mohammad Shahzad, who picked up two wickets in a fine over to peg India back.
Despite the flurry of wickets, skipper Dinesh Karthik’s quickfire cameo, highlighted by a towering six, helped India post a competitive 86-4 in their allotted overs.
Chipli contributed 24 off 13, while Shahzad was Pakistan’s standout bowler with two crucial strikes.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan began their Hong Kong Sixes campaign on a strong note as captain Abbas Afridi scored an impressive half-century to secure a thrilling victory over Kuwait.
Chasing a daunting 124 in six overs, Pakistan turned the contest into a power-hitting exhibition, thanks to Afridi’s brutal 55 off just 12 balls, a knock laced with one four and eight towering sixes.
READ: Abbas Afridi equals Ravi Bopara’s record in Hong Kong Sixes
