What happened the last time India participated in the Hong Kong Sixes before 2024?
A fan-favorite among lovers of a quick and high-scoring game, Hong Kong Sixes is set to return after seven years, as announced by Cricket Hong Kong. The tournament, first played in 1993, has witnessed 18 editions, with the latest in 2017.
Further adding to the excitement of the return of the competition is India's participation which has been confirmed. India did not feature in the 2017 Hong Kong Sixes but played in the previous edition in 2012.
In the five-over tournament featuring eight balls per over and six players per side, India were led by the Haryana-born Shafiq Khan. However, India lost two of their three Pool B games to Sri Lanka and Pakistan with a lone win against the Netherlands.
Their dismal showing ended with a 16-run defeat against the Brad Hodge-led Australian side in the Plate Semi-final. After conceding 105 off their six overs, Indian opener Amit Uniyal scored a 13-ball 40* to keep the fight going but they ultimately fell short.
Meanwhile, South Africa defeated Pakistan in the summit clash of the 2012 Hong Kong Sixes to clinch their then-fourth title. The two teams also met in the 2017 final with the same result, helping South Africa level England with five titles.
India won their lone Hong Kong Sixes title in 2005
India haven't had the best of times at the Hong Kong Sixes but won a lone title in 2005.
Led by all-rounder Robin Singh, India lost their opening game to the West Indies. However, they won the next two outings against South Africa and Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals.
In the final four, they defeated Sri Lanka in a thrilling final-over run chase to advance to the grand finale against the West Indies.
India pulled off another excellent run-chase in the summit clash to lift their first and lone Hong Kong Sixes trophy. Apart from this triumph, the Asian giants finished runners-up in 1996.
The upcoming tournament will be played from November 1 to 3 with 12 participating teams. Some of the most legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Shane Warne, and Wasim Akram have played in the Hong Kong Sixes during their illustrious careers.