Hong Kong Sixes: Veteran batter Robin Uthappa to lead India’s six-man squad

The exciting Hong Kong Sixes tournament is back after seven years, beginning on November 1 and concluding two days later on November 3 at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground. India has named a six-man squad, with veteran batter Robin Uthappa picked to lead the side; the team also includes Manoj Tiwary, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami, Stuart Binny, Kedar Jadhav, and Bharat Chipli.

Unlike previous editions, the Hong Kong Sixes 2024 tournament will feature 12 teams outside India and arch-rivals Pakistan, including Australia, Bangladesh, England, Hong Kong, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.

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The inaugural edition of the Hong Kong Sixes tournament was staged in 1992, with the last one played in 2017.

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Over the years, several global superstars have participated in this one-of-its-kind event, including the likes of great Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Malik, Sanath Jayasuriya, Anil Kumble, Umar Akmal, Glenn Maxwell, Damien Martyn among others.

While India won this tournament 19 years ago in 2005, Pakistan, England and South Africa are among the most successful teams. Besides these, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Australia have won this tournament.

Hong Kong Sixes tournament rules –

So, what makes this tournament exciting for both the players and the fans? Let’s find out.

Two six-player teams participate in a game of five overs on each side. The final match, however, allows each team to bowl five overs, but with eight balls, two more than six in usual group matches.

Apart from the wicket-keeper, each player of the fielding team will have to bowl one over, while extras like the wides and no-balls count as two runs, one more than what is counted in normal games.

In case the batting team loses five wickets before the stipulated overs are finished, the last batter will continue batting, with the fifth batter acting as a runner. The final batter will be on strike till he gets out or the innings is concluded.

Each batter is forced to retire at a score of 31; however, he can return after all other batters are dismissed or retired.

The 12 participating teams will be divided into four pools of three sides, competing in a round-robin format.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals, with the winners in the Super Eight stage entering the Cup semifinals and the losers participating in the Plate semifinals.

Meanwhile, the bottom-placed team in each pool will play the Bowl Competition.

A total of 29 matches will be played in the three-day tournament.

Besides, a Women’s Exhibition Match will also take place on November 3 (the last day) to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

India will face Pakistan on November 1 at 11:30 AM IST, while their next match will be against the UAE on November 2 at 6:55 AM IST.

(With inputs from agencies)