India humiliated by Nepal, bowled out for 45 in just three overs

India’s dismal campaign at the Hong Kong International Sixes Tournament continued as they suffered yet another embarrassing defeat — this time at the hands of Nepal. After previous losses to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, Dinesh Karthik’s side slumped to their third consecutive defeat, putting their hopes of qualifying for the Bowl Final in serious doubt.

Nepal’s batting fireworks

The match, held at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on Saturday afternoon, saw Nepal produce a batting masterclass. Batting first, they piled up a staggering 137 without loss in just six overs — one of the highest totals of the tournament.

The opening pair of Rashid Khan and Sandeep Jora tore into the Indian bowlers with breathtaking power-hitting. Rashid was forced to retire after a blistering 55 off 17 balls, featuring four fours and six sixes, while Jora remained unbeaten on 47 from 12 deliveries, striking four boundaries and five sixes.

Coming in at number three, Lokesh Bam continued the carnage, smashing 31 off 7 balls, including one four and four sixes. India’s bowlers appeared helpless as every over disappeared to all parts of the ground.

India’s shocking batting collapse

In response, India crumbled spectacularly. The side was bowled out for just 45 runs in three overs, failing to offer any resistance to Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack. Only Priyank Panchal and Bharat Chipli reached double figures, scoring 12 runs each, as wickets tumbled in quick succession.

Nepal’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance. Rashid Khan capped off his excellent all-round display by claiming 3 wickets for just 7 runs, while Bashir Ahmed picked up 2 wickets and Rupesh Singh took 1.

India’s campaign in tatters

Earlier, India had already been eliminated from the main round after their loss to Kuwait, followed by another defeat against the UAE in the Bowl stage. Their loss to Nepal now marks three straight defeats, sealing one of the worst performances by an Indian side in the tournament’s recent history.

With this emphatic 92-run victory, Nepal strengthened their chances of reaching the Bowl Final, while India’s journey in Hong Kong appears all but over — a forgettable campaign marked by poor bowling, inconsistent batting, and lack of intent.

KHABORWALA/SJ