Team India secured a comprehensive 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their Group A clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, thereby clinching their spot
in the Super 8 phase.
India set a challenging total of 175 runs, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s half-century. In response, Pakistan were bowled out for just 114 runs, with Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling effort.
Pandya struck in the very first over to remove Sahibzada Farhan for a duck as he was caught by Rinku Singh, prompting a no-look celebration from the star Indian all-rounder.
Hardik used to play no look shot but now he is picking no look wicket.💥
He risked his aura to gain more aura 🥶 pic.twitter.com/z8ierzg4Sp
— RISHAV (@iamrishav108) February 16, 2026
Kishan was the highest scorer for India on the day, amassing 77 runs off just 40 deliveries. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 runs off 29 balls, while Shivam Dube added 27 runs. Saim Ayub was the standout bowler for Pakistan, achieving figures of 3/25. Captain Salman Ali Agha and Usman Tariq also took one wicket each.
For Pakistan, Usman Khan was the top scorer with a 34-ball 44-run knock, and Shaheen Shah Afridi added an unbeaten 23 runs off 19 deliveries. Despite their efforts, the outcome was never in doubt.
This victory marked India’s third consecutive win in the tournament, following their triumphs over the USA and Namibia in the opening games. The defending champions have now secured their place in the next round and will aim to continue their strong performance on home soil.
Pakistan, who registered wins over the Netherlands and the USA in their first couple of games in the lead up to their defeat at the hands of the Men in Blue, will close out their league phase with their assignment against Namibia with a place in the Supe 8 on the line.
