Colombo, February 15, 2026: India delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 61 runs in the 27th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. After being asked to bat first, India posted a competitive 175 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs and then bowled Pakistan out for 114 in 18 overs to seal a comprehensive win.
India’s innings was built around a fluent knock from Ishan Kishan, who struck 77 off 40 balls, peppering the boundary with 10 fours and three sixes. He provided early momentum and ensured the run rate stayed healthy through the powerplay. Tilak Varma contributed a steady 25 off 24 deliveries, while Suryakumar Yadav added 32 from 29 balls to stabilize the middle overs.
However, India lost a few quick wickets in the latter half of the innings. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel were dismissed cheaply, but Shivam Dube’s brisk 27 off 17 balls kept the scoreboard ticking. Rinku Singh applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 11 off just four balls, lifting India to a strong total of 175 for 7.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 25 in four overs. Shaheen Afridi and Salman Agha chipped in with a wicket each, though some of the other bowlers proved expensive during the death overs.
Chasing 176, Pakistan struggled from the outset. Sahibzada Farhan fell early, and Saim Ayub was trapped leg-before by Jasprit Bumrah soon after. The pressure mounted as wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. Babar Azam managed only 5, while Salman Agha departed for 4.
Usman Khan offered resistance with a fighting 44 off 34 balls, striking six fours and a six, but lacked sustained support from the other end. Shadab Khan scored 14 and Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten on 23 off 19 balls, yet the target remained out of reach.
India’s bowlers shared the spoils in a disciplined display. Hardik Pandya returned figures of 2 for 16 in three overs, while Jasprit Bumrah claimed 2 for 17. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy also picked up two wickets each, and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one. The relentless pressure ensured Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in the 18th over.
Brief scores: India 175 for 7 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 77, Suryakumar Yadav 32, Shivam Dube 27; Saim Ayub 3/25) beat Pakistan 114 all out in 18 overs (Usman Khan 44, Shaheen Afridi 23 not out; Hardik Pandya 2/16, Jasprit Bumrah 2/17) by 61 runs.
