India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in a high-intensity group match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo on Sunday, delivering a commanding all-round performance in one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to field first. In a notable moment before the match, the captains of both sides did not shake hands at the toss, adding to the already charged atmosphere surrounding the contest.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 175 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. The innings began with an early setback as opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck in the opening over by Salman Ali Agha. However, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan anchored the innings with an aggressive 77 off 40 balls, striking boundaries at regular intervals to put pressure on the Pakistani bowlers before being bowled by Saim Ayub.
In the middle overs, Tilak Varma contributed 25 runs but was dismissed in the 15th over by Saim Ayub, who struck again on the very next delivery to remove Hardik Pandya for a duck. India’s fifth wicket fell at 159 when captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for 32 by Usman Tariq. Shivam Dubey chipped in with 27 runs, while Axar Patel was dismissed without scoring.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets. Usman Tariq, Shaheen Afridi and Salman Ali Agha picked up one wicket each, while one Indian batter was run out.
Chasing a target of 176, Pakistan struggled to build momentum against disciplined Indian bowling and were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, handing India a comprehensive 61-run victory.
Pakistan’s batting lineup, which remained unchanged for the match, included Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq. Despite expectations of a strong response, the side failed to form substantial partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals.
India, meanwhile, made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav. The adjustments appeared to pay off as India dominated both with the bat and ball.
The victory strengthens India’s position in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, while Pakistan will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive in the tournament.
