COLOMBO – In a high-stakes encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, India continued their overwhelming dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan, securing a comprehensive 61-run victory. The win not only maintains India's unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup 2026 but also confirms their spot in the Super 8 stage.
The Ishan Kishan Show
After Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field, India faced an early setback with the dismissal of Abhishek Sharma for a duck. However, the momentum shifted instantly when Ishan Kishan took center stage.
On a surface that offered significant grip for the spinners, Kishan played a "career-defining" knock of 77 off just 40 balls. His innings, laced with 10 boundaries and 3 sixes, took the game away from Pakistan in the Powerplay itself. Despite a mid-innings wobble caused by Saim Ayub’s double-strike, a steady 32 from captain Suryakumar Yadav and late cameos from Shivam Dube (27) and Rinku Singh propelled India to 175/7—the highest-ever total in an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash.
Pakistan’s Chase Crumbles Under Pressure
Defending 176, the Indian bowling unit operated like a well-oiled machine. Hardik Pandya set the tone with a brilliant wicket-maiden in the very first over, removing Sahibzada Farhan.
Jasprit Bumrah then effectively ended the contest in the second over by dismissing Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha in quick succession. While Usman Khan (44) offered some resistance, the introduction of spin saw Pakistan unravel. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy toyed with the middle order, eventually bundling Pakistan out for a paltry 114 in 18 overs.
Key Match Statistics
| Category | Top Performer | Stats |
| Top Scorer (IND) | Ishan Kishan | 77 (40) |
| Top Scorer (PAK) | Usman Khan | 44 (34) |
| Best Bowler (IND) | Hardik Pandya | 2/16 (3 overs) |
| Best Bowler (PAK) | Saim Ayub | 3/25 (4 overs) |
The "No Handshake" Tension
Beyond the cricket, the match was headlined by the palpable tension between the two sides. Following recent geopolitical friction and a last-minute decision by Pakistan to participate, captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha notably avoided the traditional handshake at the toss. The atmosphere in Colombo was electric, but on the field, it was a one-sided affair that saw Pakistan's Net Run Rate (NRR) plummet below that of the USA in Group A.
What’s Next?
India moves into the Super 8s with three wins from three games, looking like the team to beat. Pakistan, meanwhile, finds themselves in a "must-win" situation against Namibia on Wednesday to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Final Verdict: A masterclass in T20 cricket from India, where aggressive batting met ruthless bowling execution.
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