India vs Pakistan LIVE score Hong Kong Sixes 2025: Check the rules

The India vs Pakistan clash at the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 promises thrilling moments, with the tournament’s unique rules adding extra excitement to this fast-paced cricket format. Known for its quick-fire action and engaging gameplay, the Hong Kong Sixes is designed to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s what you need to know about the key rules shaping the match and how they influence the strategy and pace of the game.

Where to watch?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs Pakistan Hong Kong Sixes 2025 match LIVE SonyLIV, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

Unique bowling rule

Unlike traditional cricket formats, where specialized bowlers deliver overs, the Hong Kong Sixes requires every fielder, except the wicketkeeper, to bowl one over each.

This means all players must demonstrate their bowling skills, adding an unpredictable element to the game. The rule ensures the match remains dynamic and tests each player's all-round capabilities.

Additionally, wides and no-balls incur a 2-run penalty against the batting side, underscoring the need for disciplined bowling.

However, notably, no free hits are given for no-balls, which differs from other shorter formats like T20s, keeping gameplay swift and straightforward.

Batting and retiring rules

Batting in the Hong Kong Sixes also has its unique twist. Batsmen retire not out upon reaching 31 runs, which encourages aggressive batting since players aim for high personal scores swiftly.

This retirement rule prevents any one batsman from dominating the entire innings, ensuring more players get a chance to bat and contribute. Importantly, retired batsmen are not out of the game entirely; they can return to the crease once all other team members have either been retired or dismissed.

This rule spices up the strategy, as teams plan the order of batting and timing for players to maximize runs.

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Handling wickets and strike rotation

If a team loses five wickets before completing the six allotted overs, the last batsman continues to play, partnered by the fifth dismissed player running between the wickets.

This unconventional rule ensures the innings always continue for the full six overs, maintaining the excitement until the very end.

Throughout the innings, the not-out batsman always faces the strike, which helps maintain batting momentum. The innings conclude only when the final dismissal occurs, ensuring a full six-over game with maximum batting action.