Colombo: India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs in their high-voltage ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash, delivering a statement performance that underlined the gulf between the two sides on the night.
The contest had been clouded in controversy even before the first ball was bowled, with Pakistan initially boycotting the fixture before reversing their decision. In hindsight, it was a match they might wish had never been played.
On a spin-friendly surface at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, conditions appeared tailor-made for Pakistan’s bowling attack. They did exploit it early, but India’s aggressive batting and clinical bowling eventually tore apart their plans.
India were jolted in the very first over, slipping to 1 for 1 as Abhishek Sharma departed for a duck. Given his recent form and importance at the top, it was an early blow. But Ishan Kishan responded in emphatic fashion.
Taking charge of the innings, Kishan launched a counterattack that completely shifted the momentum. He hammered 77 off just 40 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 10 fours and 3 sixes on a pitch that offered grip and turn. His intent neutralised Pakistan’s spin threat and ensured India never lost control for long.
Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma steadied the innings with a useful partnership, but back-to-back wickets in the middle overs threatened to stall the surge. The finishing act, however, was decisive. Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh provided the late acceleration India needed, pushing the total to 175 — the highest ever by India against Pakistan in T20 World Cup history.
Defending 175 in a high-pressure encounter was always going to test Pakistan, and their chase unraveled almost immediately.
Hardik Pandya set the tone with a wicket-maiden in the opening over, removing Sahibzada Farhan for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah followed up with a devastating over, dismissing Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha in quick succession. At 3 down with barely any runs on the board, Pakistan were in deep trouble.
Usman Khan offered brief resistance, striking boundaries with confidence and attempting to revive the innings. He handled both pace and spin with composure, but his dismissal proved decisive. Axar Patel outfoxed him, drawing him out of his crease for a sharp stumping by Kishan. Once he fell, the writing was on the wall.
The rest of the batting order failed to mount any meaningful fight. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the chase never gained momentum. Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 114, falling well short of the target.
The comprehensive win not only reaffirmed India’s dominance in the marquee rivalry but also sealed their qualification for the Super 8s stage of the tournament. On a night charged with expectation and emotion, India delivered clarity, composure, and class.
