Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77 sets up dominant victory in Colombo, sending India into the Super 8s and deepening the rivalry’s icy diplomatic chill.
In a high-voltage clash fraught with political undertones, India delivered a commanding 61-run victory over archrivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on Sunday, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament and securing a spot in the Super 8 stage.
The match at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium was preceded and followed by a conspicuous absence of cordiality, as players from both sides refused to shake hands—a continuation of the frosty ritual observed during last year’s Asia Cup in the UAE. The snub underscores the enduring diplomatic and military tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, which have reduced their cricketing encounters to multi-nation tournaments only.
Kishan’s Blitz Lifts India
Electing to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha saw his decision tested immediately. India’s innings suffered an early jolt when explosive opener Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck, caught behind off the bowling of Agha himself.
But wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan seized control with a breathtaking knock of 77 off just 40 deliveries, laced with 10 boundaries and three sixes. He stitched together an 87-run stand with Tilak Varma, setting a formidable platform. Captain Suryakumar Yadav (32) and Shivam Dube (27) provided useful late contributions as India posted a competitive total of 175-7.
Off-spinner Saim Ayub was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, claiming a career-best 3-25, including two wickets in his final over.
Pakistan’s Chase Collapses
In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from the Indian pace attack. Hardik Pandya struck in the very first over, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah then ripped through the top order, removing Ayub and Agha in quick succession.
Babar Azam’s struggle against spin continued as he was bowled by Axar Patel for just five, leaving Pakistan reeling at 34-4. Usman Khan offered resistance with a gritty 44 off 34 balls, but his dismissal sparked a tail-end collapse. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
Pandya, Bumrah, Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy shared two wickets apiece in a disciplined bowling display.
Political Shadows Loom Large
The build-up to the match was overshadowed by political drama. Pakistan’s government had briefly considered boycotting the game 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, meanwhile, remained non-committal on the eve of the match, telling reporters, “We are here to play cricket.”
The victory extends India’s 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 cruised past Nepal by nine wickets to make it three wins from three in Group C. Jason Holder’s 4-27 restricted Nepal to 133-8 before Shai Hope’s unbeaten 61 sealed qualification for the Super 8s.
Meanwhile in Group A, the United States kept their Super 8 hopes alive with a 31-run win over Namibia. Sanjay Krishnamurthi smashed an unbeaten 68 off 33 balls—his maiden T20 half-century—as the USA posted 199-4. Namibia were restricted to 168-6, suffering their third straight defeat to bow out of the competition.
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