India national cricket team handed a comprehensive 61-run defeat to Pakistan national cricket team in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage encounter at R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
A blistering half-century by Ishan Kishan, followed by a disciplined all-round bowling performance, powered India to a commanding victory.
Pakistan’s chase falters early
Chasing a competitive target of 176, Pakistan were bundled out for 114 in 18 overs. The Green Shirts suffered a disastrous start as India’s pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya ripped through the top order inside two overs.
Sahibzada Farhan (0), Saim Ayub (6) and captain Salman Ali Agha (4) fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 13/3.
Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan tried to anchor the innings with a fighting 44 off 34 balls, including six fours and a six. However, lack of support from the middle order derailed Pakistan’s chase. Shadab Khan (14) and Faheem Ashraf (10) failed to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals.
India’s bowling unit shared the spoils, with Bumrah, Axar Patel, Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy claiming two wickets each.
Kishan leads India’s recovery
Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to field first, a decision that initially paid off when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck.
However, Kishan turned the tide with a scintillating 77 off 40 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and three sixes. He stitched an 87-run partnership with Tilak Varma to stabilise India’s innings.
Tilak Varma made 25, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32. Late cameos from Shivam Dube (27) ensured India posted a competitive 175/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the standout bowler with figures of 3/25, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Tariq picked up one wicket each.
Group implications
With this victory, India strengthened their position in Group A, while Pakistan now face pressure in the remaining fixtures to stay in contention for the Super Eight stage.
