India delivered a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in their highly anticipated Group A clash at the T20 World Cup 2026, played at the R. Premadasa
Stadium in Colombo on February 15.
The win, India's eighth in nine T20 World Cup encounters against their arch-rivals, secured their spot in the Super Eights and underscored their dominance in recent bilateral contests.
On a slow, spin-friendly pitch that favoured caution, India posted 175/7 after being sent in. Ishan Kishan stole the show with a sensational 77 off just 40 balls, featuring aggressive cuts, sweeps, and powerful hitting. His blistering knock propelled India to 52 runs in the powerplay despite Abhishek Sharma's early exit, defying the tricky conditions where other batters struggled. Kishan brought up his fifty in 27 deliveries and credited his focus on strengths for the performance that earned him Man of the Match honors.
Pakistan's chase unraveled quickly against India's disciplined bowling. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah struck early, claiming key wickets in the powerplay to leave Pakistan reeling. Pandya finished with 2/16, including a wicket maiden to start and the final blow to seal the game in the 18th over. Bumrah (2/17), Axar Patel (2/29), and Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) ensured Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
Hardik Pandya not happy with Ishan Kishan
In the 18th over itself, there was a little bit of frustration which was visible on the face of Hardik Pandya. Bowling to Shaheen Afridi, a well-executed bouncer found an edge, but wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan failed to grab a difficult chance. In the very next delivery, Shaheen's attempted slog was palmed over for a six by Kuldeep Yadav.
With two chances going begging in two consecutive deliveries, Hardik was not an amused man at all. He pointed towards Kishan and then Kuldeep, letting the former know that two catches were dropped. But Hardik had the last laugh eventually when he castled Usman Tariq in the final delivery of the over to put the final nail in the coffin.
All is Well between Hardik and Ishan?
At the end of the match, Hardik and Ishan were seen talking to each other with smiles on their faces, thus suggesting all is well between the Indian duo.
