Ishan Kishan’s blistering 77 powers India to a 61-run victory in Colombo, securing a Super 8 berth and extending their unbeaten World Cup record over archrivals.
COLOMBO – In a high-voltage clash heavy with political symbolism, India delivered a commanding 61-run victory over archrivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on Sunday, booking their place in the Super 8 stage while extending their dominance in the sport’s most intense rivalry.
The marquee match at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium was once again marked by the absence of traditional sporting gestures, with players from both sides refusing to shake hands before and after the game—a continuation of the frosty dynamic witnessed during last year’s Asia Cup in the UAE. The snub reflects the enduring diplomatic and military tensions between the neighbors, whose cricketing encounters are now confined to multi-nation tournaments.
Kishan Masterclass Lifts India
Electing to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha saw his bowlers strike early when the explosive Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck. But wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan seized control of the innings with a breathtaking knock of 77 off just 40 deliveries, featuring three sixes and 10 boundaries.
Kishan’s pyrotechnics anchored an 87-run second-wicket partnership with Tilak Varma, setting a formidable platform. Captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed a steady 32, while Shivam Dube chipped in with a quickfire 27 as India posted a competitive 175-7 on a tricky surface.
Off-spinner Saim Ayub was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming a career-best 3-25, including two wickets in his final over.
Pakistan’s Chase Crumbles
In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup unravelled spectacularly under relentless pressure from the Indian attack. Hardik Pandya struck in the very first over, removing Sahibzada Farhan for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah then ripped through the top order, trapping Ayub lbw and having Agha caught by Pandya in the same over.
Spin wizard Axar Patel compounded the misery by bowling former captain Babar Azam for just five, leaving Pakistan reeling at 34-4. Usman Khan offered brief resistance with a gritty 44 off 34 balls, but his dismissal triggered a tail-end collapse. Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
Pandya, Bumrah, Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy shared two wickets apiece in a clinical bowling display.
Political Shadows Loom Large
The build-up to the match was overshadowed by diplomatic drama. Pakistan’s government had briefly considered boycotting the fixture after the ICC expelled Bangladesh from the tournament for refusing to play in India over security concerns. Only intense discussions with the governing body convinced Pakistan to take the field.
Agha had deflected questions about the handshake controversy, stating it was for the Indian players to decide. Yadav remained non-committal, telling reporters on the eve of the game: “Why are you highlighting that? We are here to play cricket.”
The victory extends India’s astonishing dominance in the fixture. They have now defeated Pakistan 13 times in 17 T20 encounters, including eight wins in nine T20 World Cup meetings since the tournament’s inception in 2007.
Elsewhere in the Tournament
In Mumbai, West Indies made it three wins from three in Group C, thumping Nepal by nine wickets to qualify for the Super 8s. Jason Holder’s 4-27 restricted Nepal to 133-8 before Shai Hope’s unbeaten 61 sealed a comfortable chase.
In Group A, the United States kept their Super 8 hopes alive with a 31-run win over Namibia. Sanjay Krishnamurthi smashed a maiden T20 half-century—68 not out off 33 balls—as the USA posted 199-4. Namibia were restricted to 168-6, suffering their third straight defeat to bow out of the competition.
