Defending champions India delivered a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan by 61 runs in their crucial Group A encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The victory not only reinforced India’s dominance in this fierce rivalry but also secured their qualification for the Super Eights stage of the tournament. Setting a competitive total of 175 for 7 in 20 overs, India ensured that Pakistan never truly threatened the target, eventually bundling them out for 114 in 18 overs.
The foundation of India’s total was laid by Ishan Kishan, whose aggressive 77 shifted the momentum early in the innings. His confident stroke play and calculated aggression provided stability while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. Supported by useful contributions from the middle order, including a steady knock from Suryakumar Yadav, India posted a total that proved more than sufficient under pressure conditions. Pakistan’s bowlers managed occasional breakthroughs, with Saim Ayub claiming three wickets, but they struggled to contain the scoring during key phases.
Pakistan’s chase began on a disastrous note. Hardik Pandya set the tone immediately with a wicket maiden over, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan without allowing him to score. Jasprit Bumrah followed with two quick strikes, removing Saim Ayub and Salman Agha in rapid succession. Within the first two overs, Pakistan had slumped to 13 for 3, placing them in deep trouble. Poor shot selection compounded their woes, as the top order failed to adapt to the mounting scoreboard pressure.
Usman Khan attempted to anchor the innings with a fluent 44, displaying elegant stroke play and briefly reviving hope with several well timed boundaries. However, his dismissal to Axar Patel effectively ended Pakistan’s resistance. Once he departed, the lower order struggled to counter India’s disciplined bowling attack. Kuldeep Yadav maintained tight control through the middle overs, while Varun Chakaravarthy added further setbacks with two key wickets. Pandya later returned to dismantle Usman Tariq’s stumps, capping off a comprehensive bowling display.
At 78 for 7 midway through the innings, Pakistan’s chase had collapsed beyond repair. The final total of 114 marked one of their lowest scores in T20 World Cup history, highlighting recurring struggles in high pressure contests. For India, the victory underscored a balanced team effort, combining explosive batting with precise execution from both seamers and spinners. With momentum firmly on their side, India move confidently into the Super Eights as strong contenders to defend their title.
