The match, held in Hong Kong, saw India post 86 runs for the loss of four wickets in the allotted six overs.
Due to rain, Pakistan’s revised target was set at 44 runs in three overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method. However, Abbas Afridi’s side fell just short, managing 41 runs for the loss of one wicket. As a result, Dinesh Karthikeyan’s team secured a narrow two-run victory.
This year, India is represented by a team of retired cricketers, including Dinesh Karthik, Robin Uthappa, and Stuart Binny. In contrast, Pakistan’s squad features several young players such as Abbas Afridi, Khawaja Nafay, and Abdul Samad.
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi opted to field first. The Indian openers responded with aggressive batting. Robin Uthappa smashed 28 runs off just 11 balls, including two fours and three sixes, while Bharat Chipli contributed 24 runs off 13 deliveries with two fours and two sixes. Stuart Binny managed only 4 runs, while captain Karthik remained unbeaten on 17 from 6 balls. Mohammad Shahzad was Pakistan’s most effective bowler, taking 2 wickets for 15 runs.
Chasing a revised target, Pakistan started briskly but could not reach the mark. Khawaja Nafay scored 18 off 9 balls, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten with 16 off 6 deliveries. Despite their efforts, India’s disciplined bowling ensured a nail-biting finish in favor of the Men in Blue.
