Kishan’s explosive 77 sets the tone in Colombo; spinners rip through pakistan as India seal dominant win
Colombo, Feb 15 (KNC): India delivered a clinical performance to defeat Pakistan by 61 runs in a high-stakes ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, India put up a solid 175/7 in 20 overs, setting Pakistan a challenging target of 176, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC.
Ishan Kishan led the charge with a scintillating 77 off 40 deliveries, anchoring the innings with controlled aggression before being dismissed by Saim Ayub.
India suffered an early setback when Abhishek Sharma was sent back for a duck. However, Kishan rebuilt the innings with composure and intent. Crucial late knocks from Shivam Dube (27) and Rinku Singh (11) ensured India crossed the 170-run mark. Saim Ayub impressed with the ball for Pakistan, finishing with figures of 3/25 and briefly shifting momentum with two quick wickets.
Pakistan’s reply faltered right from the outset. Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a duck, while Ayub departed for 6. Babar Azam could only add five runs to the tally. Usman Khan tried to steady the innings with a fighting 44, but the rest of the batting line-up crumbled under pressure as Pakistan were bowled out well short of the target.
India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with the spin attack playing a decisive role in triggering Pakistan’s collapse and sealing a comprehensive victory.
The win reinforces India’s supremacy in one of cricket’s most intense rivalries and strengthens their campaign in the tournament. (KNC)
