COLOMBO — India continued its iron-clad dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan with a clinical 61-run victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday night. The high-stakes Group A encounter, watched by a record-breaking digital audience of over 45 crore, saw India outclass Pakistan in every department to maintain an 8-1 head-to-head lead in T20 World Cups.
Ishan Kishan’s Blitzkrieg
After being put in to bat, India suffered an early blow when Pakistan’s skipper and surprise opening bowler Salman Ali Agha dismissed the explosive Abhishek Sharma for a duck. However, the setback was short-lived. Ishan Kishan unleashed a masterclass in aggressive batting, smashing 77 off 40 balls.
Kishan’s knock, which included 10 boundaries and 3 towering sixes, set the platform for a competitive total of 175/7. Despite a middle-order squeeze by Pakistani spinners Saim Ayub (3/25) and Shadab Khan, late cameos from Suryakumar Yadav (32) and Shivam Dube (27) ensured India finished 15 runs above the par score.
The Pakistan Collapse
Chasing 176, Pakistan’s response was derailed in the very first over by Hardik Pandya, who bowled a wicket-maiden. Jasprit Bumrah then tightened the noose, removing Saim Ayub and Salman Agha in the second over.
Pakistan slumped to 13/3 and never truly recovered. While Usman Khan offered a lone fight with a brisk 44, the relentless pressure from India’s bowling unit was too much. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 114 in 18 overs.
“We played the brand of cricket we wanted. After being 0/1, someone had to take responsibility, and Ishan was amazing,” said Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
