COLOMBO, February 15 (ANI): Ishan Kishan’s scintillating half-century and a stellar collective bowling performance propelled India to a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup at Colombo on Sunday.
Batting first, India posted a competitive 175/7, with Kishan smashing 77 runs off 40 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes. His innings featured the third-fastest half-century in India-Pakistan T20I history, behind only Abhishek Sharma and Mohammad Hafeez. Partnering with Tilak Varma and later captain Suryakumar Yadav, Kishan laid the foundation for a challenging total despite early wickets.
Pakistan began their chase disastrously, losing Sahibzada Farhan and Rinku Singh to early dismissals. Jasprit Bumrah removed Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Ali Agha, leaving Pakistan reeling at 13/3 in just two overs. Axar Patel’s spin proved decisive, claiming the wickets of Babar Azam and Usman Khan at crucial stages, while Ishan Kishan executed a brilliant stumping to dismiss Usman for 44.
Pakistan’s innings never recovered, as wickets fell rapidly, including a golden duck for Abrar Ahmed. Axar Patel (2/29), Hardik Pandya (2/16), Jasprit Bumrah (2/17) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) shared the spoils, bundling Pakistan out for 114 in 18 overs.
Despite brief resistance from Usman Khan (44*) and Shadab Khan (14), Pakistan failed to mount a serious challenge, crossing 100 runs only in the 16th over. The win keeps India atop Group A with three wins from three matches, while Pakistan slips to third with two victories and one loss.
Earlier, India’s innings got off to a shaky start with Abhishek Sharma dismissed for a duck. Kishan and Varma revived the innings with aggressive strokeplay, taking advantage of Pakistan’s bowling to set a challenging total. Later contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (32) and Tilak Varma (25) ensured India posted a formidable score.
Brief Scores:
India: 175/7 (Ishan Kishan 77, Suryakumar Yadav 32; Saim Ayub 3/25)
Pakistan: 114 all out (Usman Khan 44; Axar Patel 2/29)
India’s comprehensive win highlights Kishan’s dominance and the depth of the Men in Blue’s bowling attack, sending a strong message to their World Cup rivals.
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