Hong Kong Sixes, day 1 round-up: England lose to Nepal, India face must-win clash

Pool A

In the first Pool A match, South Africa were in action against Hong Kong, who scored 92-0 batting first thanks to Zeeshan Ali (38*) and Nizakat Khan (45*). They took 4.4 overs to chase down the target as all five batters made it to double figures, Jacques Snyman top-scoring with 27.

New Zealand then suffered a reverse to Hong Kong in the second match, which ended their hopes of qualification to the next stage. Nizakat Khan (61*) and Sahal Malvernkar powered the hosts to 127-4, before restricting New Zealand to 100-4. Nizakat also returned bowling figures of 1-7.

In the final game, New Zealand were shot out for 41 by South Africa, as Matthew Boast took 3-3 in 1.1 overs. JJ Smuts also chipped in with 2-2. In reply, South Africa chased down the total in just two overs, as No.3 Modiri Litheko slammed three fours and three sixes to score an unbeaten 30 off six balls.

Pool B

Australia took the bragging rights over England in the first game of Pool B, scoring 147-1 in 6 overs thanks to Dan Christian's 13-ball 51 and skipper Sam Heazlett's 41 off 11 balls. Heazlett then took the wicket of opposite number Ravi Bopara, and held on to four catches as England were restricted to 113-5.

England batted first in their second match of the day, and scored 97 against Nepal as Bopara led the way with 49, and Samit Patel scored 39. But Nepal skipper Sundeep Jora slammed 50 off 12 balls before retiring not out, and Lokesh Bam and Rashid Khan took them over the line in 4.2 overs.

Pool C

In the marquee Pool C clash, India batted first against Pakistan and scored 119-2, Bharat Chipli making 53 of those runs. Pakistan replied in style though, as Asif Ali hit seven sixes en route to 55. They eventually needed just five overs to get over the line. India next match is now a must-win, against UAE.

In the second match, both Pakistan openers – Ali and Muhammad Akhlaq – scored half-centuries to help post 128-0 against UAE. Despite a valiant 53 from Muhammad Zuhaib, they fell short by 13 runs, being bowled out for 115.

Pool D

The first match in Pool D was a relatively low-scoring affair. Oman managed 80-2, led by Shukla's 50. Sri Lanka wasted little time in gunning down the target, doing so in 4.1 overs, for the loss of two wickets.

In the second match, Oman lost again. Bangladesh opener Jishan Alam struck 55 off 12 balls, as did captain Mohammad Saifuddin. They finished with 147-0, which proved far too much for Oman. The highest score of their innings was 29, from Vinayak Shukla. Jishan chipped in with 2-12 with the ball as well.

Sri Lanka made 107-3 in the last match against Bangladesh, led by an unbeaten 48 from captain Lihuru Madhusanka. Bangladesh could only muster 89-3 in reply, Lahiru Samarakoon starring with the ball for the Lankans with 2-26.

Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.