Key Points:
- Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77 anchored India’s innings, helping them post 175/7 after an early setback.
- Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya’s early strikes dismantled Pakistan’s top order, leading to a collapse at 114 all out.
- India sealed Super Eight qualification in the T20 World Cup with their biggest win margin over Pakistan, further extending their dominance in the tournament.
Ishan Kishan’s rapid 77 and a devastating bowling display led by Jasprit Bumrah powered India to a record 61-run victory over Pakistan on Sunday, sealing a Super Eight berth at the T20 World Cup.
Kishan Anchors India After Early Setback
India posted 175 for seven after being sent in to bat on a slow surface at R. Premadasa Stadium, overcoming an early loss and building steadily through the middle overs.
Openers Abhishek Sharma and Kishan began cautiously, but Abhishek fell for a four-ball duck in the first over. From there, Kishan took control, counterattacking Pakistan’s spin-heavy approach with authority.
Kishan reached his half-century in 27 balls and went on to score 77 off 40 deliveries, mixing powerful slog-sweeps with well-timed lofted shots down the ground. His innings provided the backbone of India’s total.
“Ishan thought something out of the box,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said. “After zero for one, someone had to take responsibility, and the way he took it was amazing.”
Suryakumar contributed 32 off 29 balls, while Tilak Varma added 25, helping India rebuild after the loss of wickets. Late contributions from Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh pushed the total beyond what Pakistan had hoped to contain.
Pakistan’s most effective bowler was spinner Usman Tariq, who finished with one for 24 in four overs. Even so, India’s captain felt his side exceeded expectations.
“We felt it was about 15 runs above par,” Suryakumar said. “On this wicket, batting first was the better option.”
Early Strikes Leave Pakistan Reeling
Pakistan’s chase unraveled almost immediately as India’s seamers exploited movement and bounced under lights.
Hardik Pandya removed Sahibzada Farhan without a run on the board, and Bumrah followed with a double blow, dismissing Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha inside the first two overs. Pakistan slumped to 13 for three, setting the tone for a steep collapse.
Axar Patel then bowled Babar Azam for five, leaving Pakistan’s top order in disarray. The team’s first three batters combined for just 10 runs, their lowest aggregate in a T20 World Cup match.
Usman Khan offered brief resistance with 44 off 34 balls, but India’s spinners kept tightening the noose. Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar shared key wickets as the asking rate climbed rapidly.
Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
“Our spinners had an off day. Execution was missing in some parts,” Pakistan captain Salman Agha said. “We lost too many wickets in the powerplay with the bat, and in games like this, you cannot afford that.”
Bumrah finished with two wickets in a decisive opening spell, while Pandya and Axar also claimed two each.
India Extends Rivalry Supremacy
The win was India’s biggest by a run margin over Pakistan in T20 internationals and extended their T20 World Cup head-to-head advantage to eight wins from nine meetings.
Kishan was named player of the match and said the rivalry always brings extra motivation.
“India-Pakistan is always a special game,” Kishan said. “Sometimes you just have to believe and focus on your strengths. Winning this gives us confidence going forward.”
India’s victory confirms their place in the Super Eight stage, while Pakistan must now beat Namibia or hope for a washout to stay in contention.
Suryakumar said the focus would quickly shift to the next challenge.
“We’ll enjoy this as a group, then think about the other games,” he said.
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