India crushes Pakistan by 61 runs, secures Super 8 spot (photos)
Looking ahead, India will face the Netherlands in their final group match, while Pakistan must defeat Namibia to keep their Super 8 hopes alive.
KATHMANDU: In a highly anticipated Group ‘A’ clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India delivered a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan by 61 runs, sealing their place in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Electing to bat first, India posted a competitive 175/7 in 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan starred with a blazing 77 off 40 balls, including 10 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav added 32, while Tilak Varma contributed a crucial 25.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs.
Chasing 176, Pakistan struggled against relentless Indian bowling, eventually being bowled out for 114 in 17.5 overs.
Usman Khan top-scored with 44, but key players Babar Azam (5) and captain Salman Ali Agha (4) failed to make an impact.
India’s bowlers dominated, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 2/17, spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel claiming 2 wickets each, Hardik Pandya adding 2, and Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma chipping in with one apiece.
Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings.
Looking ahead, India will face the Netherlands in their final group match, while Pakistan must defeat Namibia to keep their Super 8 hopes alive.
“This was a complete team performance,” said India captain Suryakumar Yadav. “Our batsmen set the platform, and our bowlers executed perfectly. Qualifying early gives us confidence, but every game from here is crucial.”
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 Feb to 8 March, features 20 international teams.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan (w), Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
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