The much-anticipated “clash of the titans” proved to be a distinctly one-sided affair at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. In what has become a recurring theme in recent years, the high-stakes encounter between India and Pakistan in Group A of the T20 World Cup lacked the competitive friction promised by its billing. Instead, it was a story of clinical dominance by India and a demoralising surrender by Pakistan.
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Kishan’s Fireworks Set the Stage
After being asked to bat first, India posted a robust total of 175 for 7. The innings was defined by a blistering knock from opener Ishan Kishan, whose 77 runs off just 40 deliveries provided the aggressive impetus India required. His ability to manipulate the Pakistani pace attack—including the formidable Shaheen Shah Afridi—gave Suryakumar Yadav’s side the upper hand from the outset. While the middle order chipped in with useful cameos, Kishan’s strike rate remained the cornerstone of the Indian total.
A Batting Disaster for Pakistan
Pakistan’s response was, quite simply, anemic. Chasing a target of 176, they were bundled out for a mere 114 runs with two overs to spare. The sheer scale of their failure is best illustrated by a startling statistical disparity: Ishan Kishan’s individual score of 77 exceeded the combined total of Pakistan’s top six batsmen, who managed only 73 runs between them.
Only wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan showed any significant resistance, scoring 44. His teammates struggled against a disciplined Indian bowling attack that offered no respite. The 61-run margin of defeat now stands as Pakistan’s second-heaviest loss in T20 World Cup history, eclipsed only by their 84-run drubbing at the hands of the West Indies in 2014.
Match Summary and Key Performers
| Category | India | Pakistan |
| Final Score | 175/7 (20 Overs) | 114 All Out (18 Overs) |
| Top Scorer | Ishan Kishan (77) | Usman Khan (44) |
| Best Bowling | Hardik Pandya (2/16) | Saim Ayub (3/25) |
| Result | India won by 61 runs | Qualified for Super Eight |
Indian Bowlers Tighten the Noose
India’s bowling unit operated with surgical precision. Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy each claimed two wickets, effectively dismantling Pakistan’s chase before it could gain momentum. Bumrah, in particular, was his usual miserly self, conceding just 17 runs in his spell.
With three consecutive victories, India has officially secured its progression to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. For Pakistan, the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty as they struggle to find the consistency and temperament required for the world stage.