The excitement is palpable as cricket enthusiasts around the globe gear up for the return of the prestigious Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, slated to take place from November 1 to November 3. This 20th edition of the event marks its much-anticipated return after a long seven-year hiatus. Alongside India, a host of other cricketing nations will descend upon Hong Kong to showcase their six-a-side prowess.
A total of 12 teams have been meticulously organized into four groups, each comprising three teams. The event promises to deliver riveting encounters, with India and Pakistan set to renew their storied rivalry on the tournament’s opening day. Joining them in Group C is the formidable team from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive knockout phase. Meanwhile, teams that fall short in the quarterfinal round will compete in the Plate semifinals, ensuring that every match counts. The teams finishing at the bottom of their respective groups will vie in the Bowl competition, culminating in a total of 29 matches unfolding over the three action-packed days.
Adding to the anticipation, India has revealed its squad for the tournament, led by seasoned campaigner Robin Uthappa as captain. Accompanying him are experienced players such as Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, and Stuart Binny, as they aim to secure a second Hong Kong Sixes trophy for their nation.
All matches are scheduled at the iconic Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground, a venue set to witness the thrilling cut and thrust of six-a-side cricket. An astonishing 10 matches will unfold each day, beginning at 6 AM IST, and concluding around 3 PM IST. The tournament will also feature a special Women’s Exhibition match slated for November 3, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The participating teams are grouped as follows:
– Group A: Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa
– Group B: Australia, England, Nepal
– Group C: India, Pakistan, UAE
– Group D: Bangladesh, Oman, Sri Lanka
Here’s a glimpse at the exhaustive schedule, ensuring fans can catch every moment of this cricketing spectacle:
**November 1:**
– South Africa vs. Hong Kong at 6 AM (IST), 8:30 AM (Local Time)
– England vs. Nepal at 6:55 AM (IST), 9:25 AM (Local Time)
– Pakistan vs. UAE at 7:50 AM (IST), 10:20 AM (Local Time)
– Sri Lanka vs. Oman at 8:45 AM (IST), 11:15 AM (Local Time)
– New Zealand vs. Hong Kong at 9:40 AM (IST), 12:10 PM (Local Time)
– Bangladesh vs. Oman at 10:35 AM (IST), 13:05 PM (Local Time)
– India vs. Pakistan at 11:30 AM (IST), 2:00 PM (Local Time)
– England vs.
. Australia at 12:25 PM (IST), 2:55 PM (Local Time)
– South Africa vs. New Zealand at 1:15 PM (IST), 3:45 PM (Local Time)
– Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh at 2:10 PM (IST), 4:40 PM (Local Time)
**November 2:**
– Australia vs. Nepal at 6 AM (IST), 8:30 AM (Local Time)
– India vs. UAE at 6:55 AM (IST), 9:25 AM (Local Time)
– Bowl Match 1: A3 vs. D3 at 7:50 AM (IST), 10:20 AM (Local Time)
– Bowl Match 2: B3 vs. C3 at 8:45 AM (IST), 11:15 AM (Local Time)
– Quarterfinal 1: B1 vs. A2 at 9:40 AM (IST), 12:10 PM (Local Time)
– Quarterfinal 2: A1 vs. C2 at 10:35 AM (IST), 13:05 PM (Local Time)
– Bowl Match 3: A3 vs. C3 at 11:30 AM (IST), 14:00 PM (Local Time)
– Bowl Match 4: B3 vs. D4 at 12:25 PM (IST), 14:55 PM (Local Time)
– Quarterfinal 3: D1 vs. B2 at 1:15 PM (IST), 15:45 PM (Local Time)
– Quarterfinal 4: C1 vs. D2 at 2:10 PM (IST), 16:40 PM (Local Time)
**November 3:**
– Bowl Match 5: A3 vs. B3 at 6 AM (IST), 8:30 AM (Local Time)
– Plate Semifinal 1: LQ1 vs. LQ2 at 6:55 AM (IST), 9:25 AM (Local Time)
– Plate Semifinal 2: LQ3 vs. LQ4 at 7:50 AM (IST), 10:20 AM (Local Time)
– Bowl Match 6: C3 vs. D3 at 8:45 AM (IST), 11:15 AM (Local Time)
– Women’s Exhibition Match at 9:40 AM (IST), 12:10 PM (Local Time)
– Semifinal 1: WQ1 vs. WQ2 at 10:20 AM (IST), 12:50 PM (Local Time)
– Semifinal 2: WQ3 vs. WQ4 at 11:10 AM (IST), 13:40 PM (Local Time)
– Bowl Final at 12:05 PM (IST), 14:35 PM (Local Time)
– Plate Final: at 12:55 PM (IST), 15:25 PM (Local Time)
– Cup Final: at 1:55 PM (IST), 16:25 PM (Local Time)
The squads feature renowned names in cricket, adding to the anticipation for this prestigious event. For instance, Robin Uthappa will captain the Indian side, while Faheem Ashraf will lead Pakistan. The home side, Hong Kong, is captained by Nizakat Khan, with the lineup revealing a mix of experienced and emerging talents.
Cricket fans across the world are counting down the days, with the tournament’s return promising high-octane action, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of the sport in the vibrant city of Hong Kong.
