India have been stunned by minnows UAE in the Pool C match of the Hong Kong Sixes 2024. The Robin Uthappa-led team lost to the minnows by one run in their clash at the Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok. Chasing a target of 131, the Indians fell one run short at the end. With this, they have failed to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament.
India came into the clash against UAE after losing to Pakistan. They were in a must-win situation coming into this clash. Uthappa put UAE to bat first. Led by Khalid Shah's opening exploits and Zahoor Khan's blistering finish, UAE made 130. India were under the pump right from the start of the second innings with the required rate so tall.
While Uthappa and Bharat Chipli opened the innings against Pakistan, this time it was Manoj Tiwary accompanying Chipli at the top. India were put into trouble as they lost both of their openers quite early. Captain Robing Uthappa tried bringing his team back with a stroke-filled knock of 43 from 10 balls. However, he fell in the fourth over, leaving his team to make 47 from the final two overs.
Stuart Binny was up to the task even though Kedar Jadhav was not finding boundaries. Binny took the charge on and smashed 16 in the second last over to leave the team needing 32 from the final six balls. He could have well taken the Men in Blue over the line but fell agonisingly short at the end.
Binny smashed Asif Khan for 29 in the first five balls and needed to hit three of the final ball but he missed the last delivery. The batters scampered for a brace but Uthappa was caught short of his ground at the batters' end.
India failed to reach the quarterfinals and set up a bowl match against England later in the day.
