Our Bureau
Colombo
India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in a T20 World Cup 2026 group stage match at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The game took place on February 15, with Ishan Kishan scoring 77 off 40 balls to power India to 175 for 7. Pakistan managed 114 all out in 18 overs, handing India their eighth win in nine T20 World Cup meetings against their rivals.
Kishan set the tone early, pulling Shaheen Afridi for a 77-meter six on the first ball he faced. After Abhishek Sharma fell for a four-ball duck to Salman Ali Agha, Kishan rebuilt with Tilak Varma, racing to 52 for 1 by the powerplay’s end. He added 17 in Shadab Khan’s opening over, including a six and four, before falling to Saim Ayub at 88 for 2. Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya steadied the innings, pushing past 170 despite Pakistan’s spin attack gripping the surface.
Pakistan’s chase collapsed under pressure. Hardik Pandya struck early, dismissing Usman Tariq to seal the result as the lower order crumbled. The bowlers held firm on a pitch favoring turn, limiting Pakistan to well below par. India now lead Group A with a net run rate boosted by this margin, their largest ever victory over Pakistan by runs in T20 World Cups.
Kishan’s knock marked his highest in the tournament, underlining his role as opener. The win keeps India’s unbeaten streak alive early in the 2026 edition, setting up key clashes ahead.
