India’s Rahul Tewatia and Kulwant Khejroliya found themselves in an embarrassing situation during their Hong Kong Sixes 2026 clash against England on Saturday. The two fielders failed to communicate while attempting to catch Ed Barnard’s aerial shot, allowing the ball to drop safely between them without either player making a genuine attempt.
The costly fielding lapse came during India’s Bowl semi-final at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok. India eventually suffered a narrow three-run defeat despite an explosive unbeaten knock from Rahul Tripathi, who scored 56 off just 14 deliveries while chasing England’s target of 125 runs.
The incident occurred when Barnard launched a delivery from Tripathi towards deep mid-wicket. Both Tewatia and Khejroliya moved towards the ball but appeared to leave the catch for each other. Their hesitation allowed the ball to land between them, giving Barnard a crucial second chance.
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England made full use of the opportunity, finishing their six-over innings at 124/2. Martin Andersson led the charge with a blistering 51 off 13 balls, smashing three fours and six sixes before retiring out. Barnard remained unbeaten on 35 from 14 deliveries, including four maximums, while Luke Hollman contributed 13 off six balls.
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India’s bowling attack struggled to contain England’s aggressive approach. Khejroliya conceded 37 runs in his two overs without taking a wicket, while Nitish Rana and Tripathi managed one dismissal each.
India’s chase suffered an early setback when Nathan Gilchrist dismissed Rana for four in the opening over. Jack Carson then removed Tewatia for a two-ball duck, putting the visitors under immediate pressure.
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However, Tripathi and Shashank Singh launched a remarkable counterattack. Shashank smashed 29 off nine deliveries, including four sixes, while Tripathi remained unbeaten on 56 off 14 balls, hitting seven sixes and two fours at a strike rate of 400. Despite their explosive partnership, India fell three runs short of the target, bringing their Hong Kong Sixes campaign to a disappointing end.
