Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif found himself on the receiving end of widespread online mockery following his public celebration of Pakistan’s win against India in the Hong Kong Sixes. Social media users quickly called out the high-profile reaction to an early group-stage encounter in a six-a-side exhibition tournament. Sharif took to X to laud the national side, posting: “Congratulations to our boys on a superb four-wicket victory over India in the opening clash of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026! It was a good game of cricket. I also commend Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi and his team for their dedicated efforts in preparing and supporting our players.” Congratulations to our boys on a superb four-wicket victory over India in the opening clash of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026! It was a good game of cricket I also commend Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for their dedicated efforts in preparing and supporting…— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 30, 2026 The enthusiastic message prompted an immediate wave of sarcastic retorts and criticism online. Many questioned the disproportionate celebration over an abbreviated six-over fixture, with one user asking if an “open-bus parade” was in the works. Another remarked sarcastically that the result seemingly outranked “any World Cup or Asia Cup ever played.” Others urged the prime minister to prioritize Pakistan’s pressing economic and security challenges over routine sports matches. On the field at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Pakistan completed a dominant chase. Asked to bat first, India posted 88 for 5 in their allotted six overs, bolstered largely by Shashank Singh’s blistering 11-ball 40. Top-order batters Rahul Tripathi (9) and Nitish Rana (19) struggled to build momentum, while Krunal Pandya and Rahul Tewatia were unable to make significant contributions, leaving India with the day’s lowest tournament total. In reply, Pakistan knocked off the 89-run target in just 3.5 overs, finishing at 91 for 2. Abbas Afridi set the tone immediately, smashing five sixes off Krunal Pandya’s opening over on his way to an eight-ball 35. Opening partner Khawaja Nafay added 41 off 12 balls, forging a decisive 59-run partnership in just 13 deliveries. Abdul Samad and Irfan Khan quickly wrapped up the four-wicket win. The outcome revived Pakistan’s campaign following their earlier one-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates, pushing them to the top of Group C. India, now at the bottom of the table, must face the UAE in their final group fixture to keep their semi-final qualification hopes alive. Post navigation Rashid Khan Creates History: Becomes First Bowler to Take 200 T20I Wickets
