Picture Credit: ICC/ Getty Images
Ishan Kishan’s aggressive 77 propelled India to a dominant triumph as the co-hosts overwhelmed Pakistan by 61 runs in the 27th T20 World Cup 2026 encounter at R Premadasa Stadium.
Kishan’s innings, which featured 10 boundaries and three sixes off 40 deliveries, laid a robust platform for India.
Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav added 57 runs from 53 balls, helping India reach 175/6 in 20 overs.
Kishan’s fireworks at the top empowered the middle-order to bat with composure, controlling the innings tempo.
The Indian bowling attack then dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up from the outset.
Hardik Pandya struck early, removing Shahibzada Farhan with a sharp-length delivery in the very first over.
Jasprit Bumrah returned to take two crucial wickets in his opening spell.
Bumrah conceded a six on his first delivery but bounced back immediately with a searing inswinging yorker to dismiss Saim Ayub.
He then removed skipper Salman Agha on the final ball of the over.
Pakistan’s resistance relied on Usman Khan, who crafted 44 runs while forging partnerships of 21 runs with Babar Azam and 39 runs with Shadab Khan.
However, the middle order crumbled under pressure. Axar Patel accounted for Azam (5) and then removed Khan with a cleverly tossed delivery.
Kuldeep Yadav bowled Mohammad Nawaz, while Tilak Varma, making his tournament bowling debut, dismissed Shadab Khan.
The tailenders capitulated quickly, Pakistan losing their last five wickets for just 41 runs.
India’s disciplined bowling and tactical field placements ensured a comprehensive 61-run victory.
Brief scores: India 175/6 in 20 overs, Ishan Kishan 77, Suryakumar Yadav 32; Saim Ayub 3-25, Usman Tariq 1-24.
Pakistan 114/10 in 18 overs, Usman Khan 44, Shaheen Shah Afridi; Hardik Pandya 2-16, Varun Chakravarthy 2-17.
India’s performance highlighted a perfect balance between explosive batting and incisive bowling, confirming their T20 World Cup credentials against a formidable rival.
Also Read: IND vs PAK LIVE Score : T20 World Cup 2026 Showdown
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