Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77 and Jasprit Bumrah’s searing bowling spearheaded India’s emphatic 61-run victory over Pakistan in their last group-stage match securing a berth for the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, ensuring a one-sided contest in front of an electric crowd.
Sent in to bat, India posted 175 for seven. Kishan, combining power and precision, struck 77 off 40 balls, clearing the ropes 12 times, while Tilak Varma contributed 11 in a second-wicket stand of 87. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav made 32 off 28 balls and Shivam Dube added a quick 27 off 17 deliveries to take India past the 170-run mark. Kishan’s masterclass on a slow, tacky pitch showcased his ability to dominate even disciplined bowling attacks.
Chasing 176, Pakistan faltered immediately. Hardik Pandya (2/16) struck in the first over, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub. Bumrah (2/17) then dismantled Pakistan’s top order, removing Ayub and Salman Ali Agha with precision pace and movement, leaving the visitors reeling at 13 for three. Babar Azam’s attempted slog sweep off Axar Patel ended with his stumps shattered, reducing Pakistan to 34 for four in the Powerplay.
India’s spinners – Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, and Varun Chakravarthy – maintained relentless pressure in the middle overs, not allowing Pakistan to form any partnerships. Despite brief resistance from Georgia Wareham and Nicola Carey, the innings never recovered momentum, and Pakistan were bowled out for 114.
The comprehensive win boosted India’s confidence ahead of the remaining Super Eight fixtures while reinforcing their dominance over Pakistan in T20 World Cups, extending their head-to-head record to 8-1. With a combination of explosive batting and incisive bowling, India proved too strong for their arch-rivals on a high-stakes stage, making a statement of intent for the remainder of the tournament.
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