Courtesy: Reuters/Hong Kong SixesNew Delhi,Oct 30, 2026 22:16 ISTPakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif found himself at the receiving end of social media trolling after congratulating the national team on its four-wicket victory over India in the Hong Kong International Sixes 2026 on Friday.Sharif's celebratory post on X did not go down well with several fans, who questioned why the Pakistan government was making such a big deal out of a win in a six-a-side tournament, which is considered more of an entertainment spectacle than a traditional cricket competition.The reaction was particularly sharp given Pakistan's recent struggles against India in international cricket. Fans mocked the Prime Minister for celebrating a victory in the shortened format while pointing to the larger rivalry between the two countries.
Some also questioned whether a result in an exhibition-style tournament warranted a congratulatory message from the country's top political leader.Sharif had taken to X to praise the team's performance and acknowledge the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “Congratulations to our boys on a superb four-wicket victory over India in the opening clash of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026! It was a good game of cricket,” Sharif wrote on X.“I also commend Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for their dedicated efforts in preparing and supporting our players,” Sharif added.
There was also a factual error in the Pakistan Prime Minister's tweet. Sharif referred to the India clash as Pakistan's "opening clash", although the team had already played its first match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).ABBAS, NAFAY POWER PAKISTAN TO VICTORYOn the field, Pakistan produced a commanding performance after winning the toss and opting to bowl.
India managed 88 for five in their allotted six overs, with Shashank Singh providing the standout contribution. The right-hander smashed 40 off just 11 deliveries but received little support from the other batters.
Nitish Rana scored 19, while Rahul Tripathi managed nine.Pakistan made light work of the 89-run target, reaching 92 for two in just 3.5 overs. Abbas Afridi launched the assault, smashing five consecutive sixes off Krunal Pandya in the opening over.
He finished with 35 off eight balls, while Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 41 off just 12 deliveries. The pair added 59 runs off only 13 balls to put Pakistan firmly in control.The victory was particularly important for Pakistan after they had suffered a one-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier in the day.
The defending champions moved to the top of Group C with two points from two matches.India, meanwhile, slipped to the bottom of the three-team group without a point. They will face the UAE on Saturday in their final group-stage match, knowing that a victory will be crucial to keeping their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive.- Ends