India’s return to the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes: What was the squad for India the last time they played in the tournament
India is set to return to the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, a fast-paced and thrilling cricket tournament, which is making a comeback from November 1 to 3 this year. The last time India participated in this unique tournament was back in 2012. Though their campaign in that edition was not successful, it provided exposure and experience to emerging players who were not yet regulars on the international circuit.
India’s 2012 Hong Kong Sixes Experience
The 2012 tournament took place at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong from October 27 to 28. Eight teams competed, and India found itself in Group B alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. However, India struggled to make an impact and finished seventh overall after failing to advance beyond the group stage.
Despite the disappointing finish, the 2012 edition offered a learning experience for a young Indian squad led by Shafiq Khan. The team included Amit Uniyal, Ankur Sharma, Dharmender Phagna, Kinchit Shah, Mirnal Saini, Neeraj Chauhan, and Sumit Abbi. While talented, most players were not widely known in mainstream cricket and had limited exposure to high-pressure international tournaments.
India’s Performance in Group B
Placed in a challenging group, India faced a tough start to their 2012 campaign. They managed to win just one of their three group matches, finishing with two points and a net run rate of 2.2889. Their solitary victory came against the Netherlands, but defeats against stronger teams like Pakistan and Sri Lanka sealed their fate, preventing them from advancing to the knockout rounds.
The Indian team played their first match against Pakistan, which was led by Kamran Akmal. Despite a spirited performance, India lost the game. Their next match against Sri Lanka, captained by Chamara Kapugedera, also ended in defeat. Although India secured a win against the Netherlands, it wasn’t enough to progress further in the tournament.
Star Power from Other Teams
While India fielded a relatively unknown lineup, other teams in the competition brought more experienced international players. Pakistan had a formidable squad, featuring names like Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, Hammad Azam, and Yasir Shah. Sri Lanka’s team included experienced players like Chamara Kapugedera and Jehan Mubarak. South Africa, led by Colin Ingram, boasted stars like David Miller and Wayne Parnell. These teams benefitted from the presence of seasoned players who were already well-established on the global stage.
South Africa emerged victorious in the 2012 edition, defeating Pakistan in the final to claim the championship and a $40,000 prize.
The Format of Hong Kong Cricket Sixes
The tournament follows a unique format, with each team consisting of six players and each match limited to five overs per side. In the final match, the overs are increased to eight balls each. All players, except the wicketkeeper, must bowl one over, and wides and no-balls count for two runs. Batsmen must retire once they score 31 runs but can return to bat once all other batsmen have been dismissed or retired.
Learning Experience for India
Despite not reaching the knockout stages, India’s participation in the 2012 Hong Kong Sixes was valuable for developing cricketers who gained exposure to an international, high-intensity environment. Now, as the tournament returns in 2024, India has an opportunity to make a stronger comeback with a potentially more experienced and balanced team.
Fans are looking forward to seeing if India can perform better this time around and possibly compete for the title, bringing renewed energy to a tournament known for its fast-paced and thrilling format.