Hosts Hong Kong Stun England by 61 Runs on Hong Kong Sixes Opening Day

Hosts Hong Kong, China produced the surprise of the Hong Kong Sixes opening day, beating England by 61 runs in their Group A clash at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok. Hong Kong posted 149/5 from their six overs, with Anshuman Rath starring in a 13-ball 62, and England fell well short in reply. The result capped a dramatic first day for the hosts, who had earlier lost their tournament opener to Australia by 28 runs, Australia posting 135/3 to Hong Kong's 107/4. The win over England put Hong Kong firmly in the Group A picture alongside Australia, who also beat England on day one, and underlined how quickly fortunes can turn in the six-a-side, six-over format. Each team fields six players and each innings lasts just six overs, so one explosive batting display can decide a match outright, and Rath's hitting did exactly that. The 22nd edition of the Hong Kong Sixes runs from October 30 to November 1, with 12 teams split into four groups of three. Hong Kong's victory over England will give the home crowd plenty to cheer as the group stage continues, while England must regroup quickly if they are to stay alive in a format that leaves no room for a slow start.