Hong Kong Sixes 2025: Sri Lanka Ends India’s Campaign in Decisive Victory

India’s journey at the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 ended abruptly on Sunday. A powerful Sri Lankan team defeated them by 48 runs at Mission Road Ground. The loss concluded a disappointing tournament run for the Indian side.

This decisive match eliminated India from semi-final contention. According to Reuters, the team finished with only one win from five matches. The high-octane Sixes format proved challenging throughout their campaign.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Dominance Sets Unchaseable Target

Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 138 without losing a wicket. Openers Lahiru Samarakoon and Lahiru Madushanka were devastating. Both batsmen retired after scoring rapid half-centuries.

They achieved this in just six overs. The Indian bowlers had no answer to the aggressive stroke play. Stuart Binny conceded 25 runs in a single over during the onslaught.

India’s response started with promise. Robin Uthappa hit consecutive sixes early in the innings. Bharat Chipli provided a brief spark with 41 runs from 13 deliveries.

The required run rate, however, spiraled out of control. Wickets fell at critical moments, stifling the chase. India finished at 90 for 3, well short of the target.

Australia’s Record-Breaking Performance and Tournament Outlook

Elsewhere in the tournament, Australia delivered a stunning performance. They set the highest total of the season against Bangladesh. Their score of 149 for 2 was a commanding display of power hitting.

Bangladesh showed resilience despite the loss. Abu Hider Rony scored a quickfire fifty from just 18 balls. The team fought hard but fell 54 runs short of Australia’s massive total.

The Hong Kong Sixes format features six players per side. Each team bats for a maximum of six overs. This creates a fast-paced, aggressive style of cricket where every ball counts.

For India, the tournament is over. Their campaign included losses to Kuwait, UAE, Nepal, and finally Sri Lanka. The team will now reflect on what went wrong in the condensed format.

Sri Lanka and Australia have emerged as strong contenders for the title. Their powerful batting line-ups seem well-suited to the Sixes style of play. The semi-finals promise more explosive action.

The Hong Kong Sixes 2025 has delivered thrilling cricket and major upsets. Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory over India highlights the unpredictable nature of the shortened format. The tournament continues to showcase cricket at its most fast-paced and entertaining.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Hong Kong Sixes cricket format?

The Hong Kong Sixes is a condensed cricket format. Each team has six players and bats for a maximum of six overs. It emphasizes aggressive, fast-paced play with every player required to bowl.

How did India perform in the tournament overall?

India won only one match against Pakistan via the DLS method. They lost their other four matches to Kuwait, UAE, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This resulted in their early exit from the competition.

Which teams are performing well in the Hong Kong Sixes?

Sri Lanka and Australia have shown dominant form. Australia posted the highest total of the tournament at 149/2. Sri Lanka remains unbeaten after convincingly defeating India.

Where is the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 being held?

All matches are being played at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. The venue is specifically set up for the fast-paced Sixes format.

Who were the standout players for India?

Bharat Chipli scored 41 off 13 balls against Sri Lanka. Stuart Binny also contributed with an unbeaten 25 from 9 deliveries. Their efforts, however, were not enough to secure a win.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, BBC Sport