Hong Kong Sixes Points Table 2024: All Pools Insight [UPDTED]

The Hong Kong Sixes is an exciting and fast-paced six-a-side cricket tournament that returned in 2024 after a significant break. Held from November 1 to November 3, 2024, the tournament features 12 international teams, making it one of the most dynamic formats in cricket. Teams such as India, Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa join emerging teams like Nepal and Oman in this competition.

What sets this tournament apart is its short match duration, with five overs per side, which ensures that every moment counts. The goal of the Hong Kong Sixes is to deliver high-octane entertainment, with big shots, fast wickets, and electrifying performances. This format has captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide due to its action-packed nature.

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How Points Affect the Tournament

The points system plays a pivotal role in determining the course of the Hong Kong Sixes. Teams earn 2 points for a win and 0 points for a loss. There are no draws, but in the event of a tie or a match cancellation (No Result), neither team earns points.

The points table becomes even more critical with the inclusion of Net Run Rate (NRR), which acts as a tiebreaker. The NRR is calculated by comparing a team’s scoring rate per over to its opponents’. Teams that dominate their matches and win by large margins will have higher NRRs, putting them in a favorable position if points are tied. As a result, even winning teams are encouraged to play aggressively to ensure a high NRR, making every ball count.

Pool-Wise Points Table

The 2024 Hong Kong Sixes is divided into four pools. Each pool contains three teams, and the teams in each pool compete in a round-robin format. Below are the current standings for each pool:

Pool A

Team	P	W	L	N/R	PTS	NRR
South Africa	2	2	0	2	4	7.46
New Zealand	2	0	2	0	0	-7.38
Hong Kong	2	1	1	0	2	0.06

Pool B

Team	P	W	L	PTS	NRR
England	1	0	1	0	-6.06
Australia	1	1	0	2	5.66
Nepal	1	1	0	2	6.21

Pool C

Team	P	W	L	PTS	NRR
India	1	0	1	0	-4.36
Pakistan	2	2	0	4	3.13
UAE	1		1	0	-2.16

Pool D

Team	P	W	L	PTS	NRR
Sri Lanka	2	2	0	4	4.50
Bangladesh	2	1	1	1	1.33
Oman	2	0	2	0	-6.44

Points Table Glossary

Understanding the points table is key to following the tournament’s progression. Here’s a quick breakdown of the terms:

P: Matches Played
W: Wins (2 points for each win)
L: Losses (0 points for each loss)
N/R: No Result (0 points, applicable if the match is abandoned)
PTS: Total Points accumulated by each team
NRR: Net Run Rate – a metric that calculates a team’s efficiency in scoring runs and restricting opponents. It becomes the deciding factor when teams have the same number of points.

Criteria for Advancement

In the Hong Kong Sixes, the advancement criteria are straightforward. The top two teams from each pool progress to the quarter-finals, which are played in a knockout format. If two or more teams are tied on points, NRR is used to determine the ranking. Teams that consistently win by larger margins, and thus have a higher NRR, have a better chance of progressing.

The remaining teams will play in Plate and Bowl matches, providing additional matches for teams that do not make the top two in their pools.

Special Rules of the Tournament

The Hong Kong Sixes stands out due to its distinctive rules, designed to make the game more aggressive and fast-paced:

Six players per side, with every player except the wicketkeeper required to bowl one over.
Each team bats for five overs, except in the final, where overs consist of eight balls.
Wides and no-balls not only give the batting side two extra runs but also allow the batting team to add more pressure.
A batter must retire after scoring 31 runs, although they can return if all other batters are dismissed or retire.
If a team loses all five wickets, the last batter is allowed to remain on the field but acts only as a non-striker and does not bat.

These rules ensure quick, action-packed matches, and promote aggressive batting and bowling strategies, contributing to the tournament’s unique appeal.

Playoffs Structure

The tournament’s playoff structure is intense, with teams moving from the pool stages into knockout matches:

Quarter-finals: The top two teams from each pool progress to the quarter-finals. This stage pits the highest-performing teams against each other in a do-or-die situation.
Semi-finals: The winners of the quarter-finals move on to the semi-finals, where the pressure mounts as the stakes grow higher.
Final: The two remaining teams from the semi-finals face off in the ultimate showdown to decide the champion. Notably, the final match consists of eight-ball overs, adding an extra layer of excitement and complexity.

Teams that don’t make it to the quarter-finals will compete in the Plate and Bowl matches, allowing them to vie for other honors even if they miss out on the main title.

Additional Elements

Exhibition Matches: In addition to the main tournament, the Hong Kong Sixes will also feature women’s exhibition matches, further promoting inclusivity in cricket.
Fan Experience: The event is also designed to cater to fans with its short, quick matches, and famous rivalries like India vs. Pakistan and England vs. Australia. The format and the high intensity of the matches ensure maximum entertainment for those in attendance and those watching from around the world.

Conclusion

The Hong Kong Sixes 2024 is set to be a memorable event, with the points table playing a crucial role in shaping the tournament’s progression. Teams must not only win but win decisively to improve their Net Run Rate, making every ball bowled and run scored impactful. With unique rules, a fast-paced format, and global participation, the points table serves as the backbone of this high-energy tournament. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely as each match determines who advances and ultimately claims the title of Hong Kong Sixes Champion 2024.