Nepal’s Performance in the 21st Edition of Hong Kong Cricket Sixes
The 21st edition of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, a six-a-side cricket tournament featuring six overs per side, did not go as smoothly for Nepal compared to their previous appearance in 2024. In their debut last year, the Rhinos secured first place in their group, defeating notable teams like Australia and England. This year, however, Nepal faced challenges right from the start, losing both of their group-stage matches—against Afghanistan by 17 runs on Friday and against South Africa by four wickets on Saturday.
The tournament features 12 teams, including eight Full Members and four Associates, divided into four groups of three each. The structure of the competition is such that the bottom teams from each group compete in the Bowl League, while the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals.
Nepal found some relief in the Bowl League, where they defeated India by an impressive 92 runs at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Saturday. This victory marked the largest margin of victory in the history of the Hong Kong Sixes. India had previously beaten Pakistan in Group C but lost to Kuwait by 27 runs. Despite having equal points with Pakistan and Kuwait, India fell short due to a lower net run rate.
A Dominant Batting Display
In their match against India, Nepal won the toss and chose to bat first. They posted a massive total of 137 runs without losing a single wicket. Rashid Khan, known for his aggressive batting, contributed 55 runs off 17 deliveries, hitting four fours and six sixes. His opening partner, Sundeep Jora, who captained the team in this game, remained unbeaten with 47 runs off 12 balls (four fours, five sixes). Lokesh Bam added 31 runs off seven deliveries (one four, four sixes).
India’s batting lineup was a cause for concern, as it included experienced players like Dinesh Karthik, Robin Utthappa, and Stuart Binny. However, they could only manage 12 runs in total. Utthappa scored 5 off 3 balls, and Karthik scored 7 off 3 balls, both getting caught by Mohammad Adil Alam. Binny, who was dismissed for a golden duck, was also caught by Alam. Abhimanyu Mithun, who didn’t face a single delivery, was the last man standing as India was all out for 45 runs in three overs.
Bowl League Standings and Upcoming Matches
Nepal currently holds second place in the Bowl League, earning two points from their win over India. However, they suffered a loss in their first Bowl League match against Sri Lanka. The loss to Nepal was India’s second in the Bowl, as they had previously been defeated by the UAE by four wickets. Sri Lanka has two wins, having defeated both Nepal and the UAE.
On Sunday, Nepal will face the UAE, while India will take on Sri Lanka. The top two teams in the Bowl League will qualify for the Bowl Finals.
Semifinal and Plate Semifinal Matchups
Australia, Pakistan, England, and Kuwait have advanced to the semifinals after defeating Bangladesh, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan respectively in the quarterfinals. Australia will play Pakistan, and England will face Kuwait for a spot in the final. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will face South Africa and Hong Kong in the plate semifinals.
The tournament will conclude on Sunday, with the winners of all stages being determined.
Significance for Nepal
This edition of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes holds special significance for Nepal, as it will be the last for Sharad Vesawkar, who was part of Nepal’s squad in the maiden T20 World Cup in 2014. So far, Vesawkar has played only one match in the tournament, against Sri Lanka. Jora, Bam, and Khan are the three players who also participated in the previous edition of the tournament.