India vs Pakistan highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: India put on a dominant show against their arch-rivals Pakistan, routing them by 61 runs in a high-stakes Group A clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The win not only boosted India’s confidence but also secured their place in the Super 8 stage.
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POINTS TABLEElecting to bat first, India were given a flying start by opener Ishan Kishan, who unleashed a masterclass of power-hitting. Kishan blazed 77 off just 40 balls, laced with 10 fours and three sixes, effortlessly negotiating the tricky Colombo surface. His explosive innings laid the platform for India, while Tilak Varma (25 off 24) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 29) ensured the momentum was maintained in the middle overs. Shivam Dube’s quickfire 27 and late contributions from Rinku Singh helped India post a competitive 175-7 in 20 overs.
Chasing a challenging 176, Pakistan’s innings crumbled from the outset. Hardik Pandya struck early, removing Sahibzada Farhan in the first over. Jasprit Bumrah returned to wreak havoc, sending back Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha in his opening spell. Pakistan’s middle order, which relied on Usman Khan, failed to build partnerships as Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Tilak Varma combined to clean up the tail.
Usman Khan stood tall with a valiant 44 off 34 balls, stitching brief partnerships with Babar Azam and Shadab Khan, but it was never enough. Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, leaving India winners by a comprehensive 61 runs.
India’s bowlers delivered with clinical precision. Hardik Pandya claimed 2-16, Jasprit Bumrah 2-17, Axar Patel 2-29, Varun Chakaravarthy 2-17, Kuldeep Yadav 1-14, and Tilak Varma 1-11. Saim Ayub’s early spell of 3-25 was Pakistan’s only resistance.
The Powerplay belonged to India, and the batsmen capitalized brilliantly. Kishan’s record-breaking strike rate, combined with sensible partnerships in the middle, ensured India set a target that Pakistan struggled to chase. With this emphatic win, India not only asserted dominance over Pakistan once again but also cemented their position in the next round of the tournament, leaving the co-hosts and fans in high spirits.