India vs UAE Hong Kong Sixes 2026: UAE wins toss, India bats first
Web StoryWatch this story in 15 seconds →Key takeaways
- The UAE won the toss and chose to bowl first at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok.
- The Group C match started at 8:05 AM IST on October 31.
- India must win to stay alive after losing their opener to Pakistan on Friday.
- Fans in India can watch the live stream on the FanCode app and website.
India is batting first against the UAE in the Hong Kong Sixes. The UAE won the toss on October 31 and asked India to bat. The match started at 8:05 AM IST at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok.
What happened
The UAE won the toss at 7:41 AM IST, reported Outlook India. They chose to bowl first.
This is India's second match of the tournament. India lost their opening game to Pakistan by four wickets on Friday.
Pakistan chased down India's 88 for 5 in only 3.5 overs, reported NDTV Profit. Shashank Singh top-scored for India with 40 runs off 11 balls. Khawaja Nafay hit 41 off 12 balls to seal the win for Pakistan.
India's collapse was worse than the score suggests, reported A Sports. Captain Krunal Pandya and Rahul Tewatia both fell for golden ducks.
Abdul Samad removed both in the same over. He was the pick of the bowlers, reported A Sports.
Pakistan's openers then added 59 runs in just two overs to end the game early. Irfan Khan hit a six off his first ball to finish the chase. Pakistan reached the target with 13 balls to spare, reported A Sports.
The UAE come into this game full of confidence. They beat Pakistan earlier in the day, reported A Sports. Captain Khalid Shah smashed 71 runs off just 20 balls in that chase.
Pakistan had set 106 for 3, with Abbas Afridi hitting 53 off 13 balls. The UAE chased it down in the final over to win by one wicket.
India are captained by Krunal Pandya, while Shah leads the UAE side.
Why it matters
India, Pakistan and the UAE are the three teams in Group C. All three are fighting for a place in the knockout stage. A second defeat would almost end India's campaign.
The Hong Kong Sixes is the famous six-a-side event. This is its 22nd edition, reported NDTV Profit.
Twelve teams are playing across three days of fast, high-scoring cricket. India need a much stronger batting effort to cover their bowling problems.
The UAE have already shown they can beat big names. Their win over Pakistan proves this is no easy game for India.
Fans of regional cricket have plenty to follow this week. There is League 2 action in the UAE. You can also follow other League 2 fixtures and the tri-series in Abu Dhabi.
The rules of the Hong Kong Sixes
The format is simple: seven players per side and six overs each. Each bowler can bowl at most one over, except one player who may bowl two. Batters must retire after scoring 50 runs, reported Outlook India.
Wides and no-balls add an extra run and an extra ball. There are no free hits in this format.
The format rewards big hitters and fast scoring. That is why India picked power players like Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi.
India's squad also includes Shashank Singh and Rahul Tewatia. T Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya are in the team too, reported NDTV Profit.
The UAE squad lists Zahid Ali and Mohammed Faraazuddin. Muhammad Farooq, Maroof Merchant, Ansh Tandon and Zuhaib Zubair are also named.
What happens next
Fans in India can watch the match live on the FanCode app and website. No television channel has been confirmed for the game, reported NDTV Profit. The stream began at 8:05 AM IST on October 31.
The Group C winners move closer to the Cup semifinals. Twelve teams are playing across three days of the event, reported NDTV Profit. The group winners advance to the knockout stage.
India's players know a loss here ends their run. A big win would push them back into the race. The toss has given the UAE the early edge.
For now, all eyes are on India's openers, who must fire after Friday's low total. The UAE bowlers will look to strike early. India need quick early runs to stay in this short contest.
Related stories
Why Is Altitude Sickness Worse for Some People?
Altitude sickness hits some people harder because of genetics, ascent speed, and prior history, not fitness level. Here is what raises risk
Why Do You Get Blisters When Hiking and How to Prevent Them
Friction plus moisture plus heat equals a blister. Learn why hiking breeds all three, and the boots, socks, and tape system that keeps
How to choose hiking boots for beginners: fit, features, and break-in
Beginners should buy for fit first: snug everywhere, tight nowhere, with a thumb's width at the toes. Here is how to size, test,