Colombo-UNS : India registered a dominant 61-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, powered by Ishan Kishan’s explosive half-century and a disciplined bowling performance.
Put in to bat first, India national cricket team posted a competitive total of 175 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings got off to a poor start with Abhishek Sharma dismissed for a duck, but Kishan counterattacked in style. He added 87 runs for the second wicket with Tilak Varma, scoring a commanding 77 off 40 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.
After Kishan’s dismissal, India steadied the innings through partnerships involving Tilak Varma, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube. Yadav contributed 32 off 29 balls, while Dube struck 27 from 17 deliveries to ensure India finished strongly.
In reply, Pakistan national cricket team faltered against India’s pace and spin attack and were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya struck early to remove Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha within the first two overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 13 for 3.
Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan offered resistance with a valiant 44 off 34 balls, sharing brief partnerships with Babar Azam and Shadab Khan. However, regular wickets halted any recovery. Pakistan slumped to 78 for 7 midway through the chase, and the lower order failed to provide meaningful support.
India’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Bumrah, Axar Patel, Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy claiming two wickets each. Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma also chipped in to complete the rout.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to field first did not pay dividends as India’s batting depth and late acceleration proved decisive.
The comprehensive win strengthens India’s position in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while Pakistan will look to regroup after a disappointing showing against their arch-rivals.
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