Colombo -In a high-voltage clash that lived up to its billing, India delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 61 runs in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium here. A fluent half-century from Ishan Kishan, followed by a disciplined bowling effort led by Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel, ensured India tightened their historic grip over their arch-rivals in the tournament.

India dominate arch-rivals Pakistan

The Indian team, led by a confident batting display and clinical bowling execution, overwhelmed Pakistan, who faltered under scoreboard pressure. Pakistan’s batting unit never recovered after early setbacks, exposing vulnerabilities against India’s varied bowling attack.

India post 175/7, bowl out Pakistan for 114

After being asked to bat first, India posted a competitive total of 175 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Pakistan collapsed to 114 all out in 18 overs, falling well short of the target and conceding a heavy defeat.

The contest was effectively decided in two phases — India’s aggressive powerplay, driven by Kishan’s fearless strokeplay, and Pakistan’s disastrous start to their chase, where they lost three wickets inside the first two overs. From that point onward, Pakistan remained on the back foot.

The match was played at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, where the pitch offered assistance to spinners but also rewarded disciplined pace bowling and calculated aggression with the bat.

Kishan’s dominance and India’s relentless bowling

Ishan Kishan emerged as the architect of India’s victory, smashing a commanding 77 off just 40 balls. His innings, laced with authoritative strokeplay, laid a strong foundation. Despite Pakistan introducing as many as six spin options to slow the run flow, India managed to maintain momentum through calculated partnerships and late acceleration.

Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh provided crucial finishing touches, ensuring India reached a total that would exert sustained pressure on Pakistan’s fragile batting line-up.

Pakistan’s chase never gathered momentum. Early breakthroughs by India’s pace attack dismantled their top order, and the middle order failed to mount any meaningful resistance.

India’s bowling unit operated with precision and discipline. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Varun Chakravarthy claimed two wickets each, maintaining relentless pressure and preventing Pakistan from building partnerships.

The early strikes proved decisive, as Pakistan struggled to recover from the initial blows. Regular wickets ensured the required run rate kept climbing, forcing errors and accelerating their collapse.

India’s victory was the result of superior planning and execution across departments. Kishan’s aggressive intent neutralised Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy, while India’s bowlers exploited scoreboard pressure with clinical efficiency.

The result further reinforces India’s psychological and tactical dominance over Pakistan in T20 World Cup contests, underlining their ability to deliver under pressure in cricket’s most intense rivalry.

For Pakistan, the defeat raises serious concerns about batting resilience and adaptability in high-pressure tournament scenarios. For India, the comprehensive win strengthens their campaign momentum and reaffirms their credentials as serious title contenders.