India Beat Pakistan by 61 Runs, Enter Super Eight

India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match in Colombo, securing a place in the Super Eight stage.

Batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium, India posted 175 for seven in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.

The foundation of India’s total was laid by opener Ishan Kishan, who scored 77 off 40 balls. His innings included 10 fours and three sixes. He played aggressively from the start, taking on Pakistan’s pace and spin attack on a surface that offered some assistance to bowlers.

India lost Abhishek Sharma early, but Kishan continued to attack. He reached his half-century quickly and kept the scoreboard moving with confident strokeplay across the ground. Tilak Varma supported him with 25 runs, while captain Suryakumar Yadav added 32.

A brief slowdown occurred in the middle overs when Tilak and Hardik Pandya were dismissed in quick succession. However, Shivam Dube contributed 27 runs, and late cameos ensured India crossed the 170 mark.

Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Saim Ayub, who picked up three wickets. Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi took one wicket each.

Chasing 176, Pakistan struggled from the beginning. Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed in the first over, followed by Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha. Pakistan were reduced to 13 for three within the first two overs.

India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah struck early to break the top order. Axar Patel removed Babar Azam and later dismissed Usman Khan, who was the top scorer for Pakistan with 44 runs.

Pakistan’s middle order failed to build partnerships. Regular wickets prevented any momentum in the chase. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took two wickets each, while Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma also contributed with one wicket apiece.

Despite a late effort from Shaheen Afridi, who scored 23 not out, Pakistan could not recover from the early setbacks.

India’s all-round bowling display ensured that Pakistan were bowled out in 18 overs. Hardik finished with two wickets, while Bumrah also claimed two.

With this victory, India advanced to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. The defending champions have maintained strong form in the group stage and continue their campaign with confidence.

Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his impactful knock at the top of the order.

The match, played in front of a packed crowd in Colombo, lived up to expectations as one of the tournament’s high-profile clashes. However, India’s disciplined performance with both bat and ball ensured a comfortable margin of victory.