India vs New Zealand Hong Kong Sixes Highlights | Hong Kong Sixes 2024

Courtesy: Fancode

New Zealand claimed a dominant 44-run victory over India in a Pool C clash at the Hong Kong International Sixes, thanks to an all-round performance by Siddhesh Dixit. Dixit’s aggressive unbeaten 55 off 12 balls and key wicket helped New Zealand post a commanding total, which India fell short of chasing at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok.

New Zealand’s Explosive Start

Batting first, New Zealand made their intent clear with rapid scoring right from the outset. Captain Todd Astle started with a quick 17 off 5 balls, hitting a boundary and two sixes before falling to Bharat Chipli. However, it was Siddhesh Dixit who took center stage, slamming an electrifying 55 off just 12 deliveries, which included three fours and seven massive sixes. His high-strike rate innings allowed New Zealand to score at an impressive rate of 24.33 per over.

After Dixit retired hurt, Xavier Bell contributed a swift 14, while Raunaq Kapur added a valuable 33 not out off 7 balls with two fours and four sixes. Henry McIntyre finished off the innings with 15 off 4 balls, taking New Zealand to an imposing total of 146/3 in their six overs.

India’s Struggle in the Chase

In response, India’s innings lacked the firepower needed to match New Zealand’s high score. Skipper Robin Uthappa got off to a brisk start with 19 off 7 balls but was dismissed by Dixit, who continued to influence the game with the ball. Bharat Chipli looked promising, scoring 30 off 9 balls, but his dismissal by Sam Cassidy halted India’s momentum. Wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami tried to keep the chase alive with a resilient 42 not out off 16 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. Kedar Jadhav added a quick 11 off 4 balls, but it was too late for India as they finished at 102/2 in their six overs, falling 44 runs short of the target.

Siddhesh Dixit’s all-round performance proved decisive, earning him the Player of the Match award. His explosive half-century set the tone for New Zealand’s high total, and his bowling breakthrough helped stall India’s chase, securing a crucial Pool C victory for his team.

New Zealand: 146/3 in 6 overs (Siddhesh Dixit 55*, Raunaq Kapur 33*, Bharat Chipli 1/24)
India: 102/2 in 6 overs (Shreevats Goswami 42*, Bharat Chipli 30, Siddhesh Dixit 1/19)

New Zealand won by 44 runs