Blockbuster Asian Rivalry in Mong Kok: The marquee fixture of the group stage arrives at the Mission Road Ground as India take on defending champions Pakistan in Match 7 (Pool C) of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026! Following Bhuvneshwar Kumar's call-up to India's T20I squad in New Zealand, IPL champion all-rounder Krunal Pandya steps up to captain an Indian squad featuring power-hitters Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Shashank Singh, and Rahul Tewatia. Standing across from them are six-time tournament champions Pakistan, led by Abbas Afridi, looking to seal top spot in Pool C and punch their ticket straight into Saturday's Cup semi-finals. With 6-over innings, 31-run mandatory retirements, and rapid outfield dimensions, this encounter promises non-stop action. Catch every towering maximum, toe-crushing yorker, and live scorecard directly on Willow by Cricbuzz via TrillerTV.
High-Stakes Clash for Pool C Supremacy Pool C brings together the tournament's most anticipated showdown. With both teams aiming for direct passage into the Cup semi-finals, this head-to-head match will largely determine the Pool C winner.
For India, led by spin-bowling all-rounder Krunal Pandya, the squad boasts proven IPL finishers and boundary-strikers. With Rahul Tripathi providing aggression at the top alongside Nitish Rana and explosive death-over hitters Shashank Singh and Rahul Tewatia, India have depth in their batting. Left-arm pacer T. Natarajan brings yorker control to a format where every dot ball counts, supported by seamer Kulwant Khejroliya (who replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar).
For Pakistan, captained by seam-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Abbas Afridi, their setup relies on power and all-round depth. The defending champions feature wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, hard-hitter Irfan Khan Niazi, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Shahzad, and Saad Masood, backed by the express pace of Ahmed Daniyal. Having lifted the trophy in previous editions, Pakistan's familiarity with the tournament's unique rules makes them a formidable unit.
Squads & Key Players
India Sixes Squad Full Squad (7 Players): Krunal Pandya (C), Rahul Tripathi (wk), Nitish Rana, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, T. Natarajan, Kulwant Khejroliya
Tactical Focus: Rapid boundaries down the ground from Rahul Tripathi and Shashank Singh, left-arm spin strangulation from Krunal Pandya, and yorker execution under pressure from T. Natarajan.
Pakistan Sixes Squad Full Squad (7 Players): Mohammad Abbas Afridi (C), Khawaja Nafay (wk), Irfan Khan Niazi, Abdul Samad, Saad Masood, Mohammad Shahzad, Ahmed Daniyal
Tactical Focus: Aggressive aerial striking through Khawaja Nafay and Irfan Khan Niazi, changes of pace from Abbas Afridi, and back-of-the-hand slower balls and yorkers from Ahmed Daniyal.