Colombo: The India national cricket team registered a commanding 61-run victory over the Pakistan in a high-voltage clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the in Colombo and have qulified for super-8 on Sunday.
Powered by a blistering 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan, India posted a competitive 175/7 in their 20 overs — the highest team total in an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter. Kishan smashed 10 fours and three sixes, stitching an 87-run partnership with Tilak Varma after India lost Abhishek Sharma for a duck in the opening over. Suryakumar Yadav added 32, while late blows helped India finish strongly.
In reply, Pakistan endured a nightmare start. Hardik Pandya removed Sahibzada Farhan for a duck, while Jasprit Bumrah struck twice early to leave Pakistan reeling at 13/3 inside two overs. Axar Patel further dented the chase by dismissing Babar Azam cheaply as Pakistan slipped to 34/4.
Usman Khan fought back with a brisk 44 off 34 balls, but regular wickets halted any recovery. Axar (2/29) broke a crucial stand, while Hardik Pandya (2/16), Bumrah (2/17) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) shared two wickets each as Pakistan were bundled out for 114 in 18 overs.
With three wins in three matches, India remain unbeaten at the top of Group A and confirm their Super 8 berth. Pakistan, with two wins and a loss, slip to third place behind USA, keeping their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.