IND vs PAK: In a highly anticipated Group A clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo, India registered a comprehensive 61-run victory over Pakistan, maintaining their unbeaten run in the tournament.
The match was played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, where Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first.
Batting first, India posted a total of 175 for 7 in their 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan top-scored with 77 off 40 balls, hitting ten fours and three sixes. He was supported by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who made 32 off 29 deliveries, and Tilak Varma, who contributed 25 from 24 balls.
In the latter stages, Shivam Dube added momentum with 27 off 17 balls, helping India score 48 runs in the final five overs.
While chasing a target of 176, Pakistan came under immediate pressure from India’s pace attack. Hardik Pandya returned figures of 2 for 16 from three overs, while Jasprit Bumrah took 2 for 17 in two overs.
Pakistan were reduced to 38 for 4 inside the powerplay, losing key top-order wickets in quick succession. The spin duo of Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy further tightened India’s grip on the contest, picking up two wickets each. Axar finished with 2 for 29 from four overs, while Varun claimed 2 for 17, preventing any significant recovery.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, falling well short of the target.
The result extended India’s head-to-head record against Pakistan in T20 World Cup matches to eight wins and one loss, and confirmed India’s qualification for the Super 8 stage with three wins from three group matches.
Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 77-run innings.
– Magizh
