Tournament: Hong Kong International Sixes 2025
Match: Pool C
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 6:40 AM IST (1:10 AM GMT / 9:10 AM Local)
Venue: Mission Road Ground (Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground), Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Toss: Not yet conducted
Tournament Context
India enters this match after securing a tight victory over Pakistan in their opening Pool C game. A win against Kuwait will guarantee India’s place in Quarterfinal 2, making this a must-win game for both teams in the fast-paced six-a-side format.
The Hong Kong Sixes uses a unique format where each team has six players and each innings lasts just six overs. Key rules include batsmen retiring at 31 runs (but can return later), and every player except the wicketkeeper must bowl one over.
Expected Playing XIs
India (Confirmed Squad – 7 Players)
Source: Multiple verified cricket news outlets including Business Standard, OneCricket, and Inside Sport India
- Robin Uthappa – Opening batter/wicketkeeper
- Dinesh Karthik (c) – Wicketkeeper-batter
- Stuart Binny – Allrounder
- Bharat Chipli – Batter
- Priyank Panchal – Opening batter
- Shahbaz Nadeem – Bowler
- Abhimanyu Mithun – Bowler
Note: Ravichandran Ashwin was initially selected but withdrew due to a knee injury sustained during BBL preparation in Chennai. Shahbaz Nadeem replaced him in the squad.
Kuwait (Confirmed Squad – 7 Players)
Source: Multiple verified cricket news outlets including Cricket Winner and Trade Brains
- Adnan Idrees – Batting allrounder
- Ravija Sandaruwan – Opening batter
- Bilal Tahir – Batter
- Meet Bhavsar – Top-order batter
- Usman Patel – Wicketkeeper
- Yasin Patel (c) – Bowler
- Mohamed Shafeeq – Bowler
Note: Kuwait is making their debut in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament this year.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Weather Forecast
Hong Kong weather in early November typically features temperatures around 24-25°C with pleasant conditions. The month sees moderate rainfall totaling around 45mm across approximately 13 days. Saturday morning conditions are expected to be cool and comfortable for cricket, ideal for the fast-paced format.
Pitch Report
The Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok typically offers a balanced surface. In the six-a-side format with reduced boundaries, expect high-scoring games with plenty of sixes and boundaries. The pitch usually favors batters early on, but skillful bowlers who can mix their pace and use variations will be crucial.
Players to Watch
| Team | Batters | Bowlers |
|---|---|---|
| India | Robin Uthappa – Scored a brisk 28 against Pakistan in India’s opening match<br>Dinesh Karthik (c) – Experienced finisher and captain | Stuart Binny – Bowled an economical spell against Pakistan<br>Abhimanyu Mithun – Quick bowler with IPL experience |
| Kuwait | Ravija Sandaruwan – Opening batter known for aggressive starts<br>Meet Bhavsar – Top-order aggressor | Yasin Patel (c) – Captain and lead bowler<br>Mohamed Shafeeq – Key bowling option |
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
This is the first-ever meeting between India and Kuwait in the Hong Kong Sixes.
India’s Recent Form:
- Won vs Pakistan (Pool C opener) – Victory by DLS method
Kuwait’s Recent Form:
- Lost to Pakistan in a last-ball thriller on Day 1
What to Expect
India’s squad features stalwarts like Robin Uthappa, Stuart Binny, and Dinesh Karthik, blending international experience with domestic expertise. Their experience in high-pressure situations gives them an edge in this format.
Kuwait, despite being tournament debutants, showed fighting spirit against Pakistan. They boast explosive hitters like Yasin Patel and Ravija Sandaruwan, with a reputation for strong T20 performances in Asian competitions.
In the six-over format, every delivery counts. India’s experience and depth should help them control the game, but Kuwait’s fearless approach could make this competitive.
Match Prediction
India are favorites to win this encounter. Their squad’s experience in pressure situations, combined with quality all-round options, makes them better equipped for the demands of six-a-side cricket. India’s bowling attack, featuring Binny, Mithun, and Nadeem, should be able to contain Kuwait’s batters on a pitch that might offer some help to bowlers.
However, in the unpredictable six-over format, Kuwait cannot be written off. If their top order fires, they could challenge India’s defense.
Predicted Winner: India by 15-20 runs
Where to Watch
TV Broadcast (India): Sony Sports Network
Live Streaming (India): FanCode app and website, SonyLIV
International Viewers: Cricket Hong Kong YouTube channel
Match Status: Yet to begin
Importance: Winner likely advances to Quarterfinal 2