In a dominant display at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India steamrolled Pakistan by 61 runs in the 27th match of the T20 World Cup 2026. This emphatic victory marked India’s third consecutive win, propelling them into the Super 8 stage with authority.
The Indian campaign had already been flawless, starting with a 29-run triumph over the USA, followed by a resounding 93-run demolition of Namibia. With momentum on their side, India now eyes their final league clash against the Netherlands on February 18.
Electing to bowl first after losing the toss on Sunday, Pakistan watched helplessly as India posted 175 for 7 in 20 overs. The innings kicked off disastrously with Abhishek Sharma out for a duck on the first ball. But Ishan Kishan steadied the ship, forging an explosive 87-run stand off 46 balls with Tilak Varma (25). Kishan blazed away to 77 off 40 balls, laced with 10 fours and 3 sixes, before departing.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav then took charge, adding 38 runs for the third wicket with Varma and 33 for the fifth with Shivam Dube (27). Surya contributed a brisk 32 off 29 balls, while Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 11 off 4. Saim Ayub starred with 3 wickets for Pakistan, supported by single scalps from Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Usman Tariq.
Chasing 176, Pakistan crumbled to 114 all out in 18 overs. Sahibzada Farhan fell for a golden duck on the fourth ball, and by 13 runs, they had lost three wickets. Usman Khan fought valiantly with 44 off 34 balls (6 fours, 1 six), partnering Babar Azam (5) for 21 and Shadab Khan (14) for 39. But the middle order collapsed at 73 for 5.
India’s bowlers were relentless: Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy each claimed 2 wickets, with Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma picking one apiece. Shaheen Afridi’s 23 was Pakistan’s highest, but it wasn’t enough. This win cements India’s status as a tournament favorite, setting the stage for thrilling Super 8 battles.