New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) India has showcased their outstanding form in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a win against Pakistan. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar shared his thoughts on the Men in Blue’s remarkable performance, emphasizing significant contributions from Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya.

India achieved a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan on Sunday, marking their third consecutive win in the tournament. Bangar reflected on India’s escalating dominance in the historic rivalry, stating that the gap between the two teams has broadened and is unlikely to narrow anytime soon.

“Thanks to that substantial victory, we can put to rest the discussion that the gap between India and Pakistan is quite significant and is not likely to diminish in the near future. With each encounter, I believe India’s record will only improve and the margin will increase,” he remarked during an interview with JioStar.

The foundation of India’s victory was laid by a stellar 77-run innings from Ishan Kishan, who once again solidified his position at the top of the order. Bangar credited Kishan’s success to the team’s support and his current form.

“To perform the way Ishan Kishan did against Pakistan, I think a couple of factors have played in his favour. Firstly, he is batting at the top of the order, and he has the team’s support to play with freedom, taking risks that are currently paying off. Secondly, he is in form, and T20 cricket is ideally suited for players who are in form,” he explained.

“He is making the most of his current form, and his approach was methodical. He didn’t target every bowler indiscriminately. He first attacked Shaheen Shah Afridi in the second over, respected the off-spinners, and when the leg-spinners came into play, he capitalized significantly. Even while facing the majority of the deliveries, he managed to farm the strike effectively, enabling him to score 77 out of the 88 runs on the board,” Bangar added.

Bangar also commended the Indian pace attack, especially Bumrah and Pandya, for establishing a solid foundation early in the match. He praised Suryakumar Yadav for his strategic decision to start with pace bowlers, despite Pakistan opting for 18 overs of spin.

“I would like to commend Suryakumar Yadav for the way he managed his bowling resources. Even though Pakistan bowled 18 overs of spin, he resisted the temptation to start with spin and allowed the fast bowlers the first chance against the Pakistan batters. It was crucial that Hardik Pandya bowled with good lengths and targeted the stumps, which proved effective,” he stated.

Bangar especially applauded Jasprit Bumrah's strategic brilliance, particularly in his battle with Saim Ayub. Bumrah’s skill was highlighted when he set Ayub up perfectly with a swinging delivery that resulted in a top edge and a six.

“Regarding Jasprit Bumrah, he outsmarted Saim Ayub. On the first delivery, Ayub was completely clueless as the ball swung away, resulting in a top edge that went for six. The very next ball, Bumrah skillfully set him up with an in-dipping delivery aimed at the left-hander. Overall, the Indian pacers delivered a phenomenal performance,” he concluded.

In summary, India’s performance against Pakistan reaffirmed their supremacy in world cricket, with notable contributions from both batsmen and bowlers. Bangar’s perspectives illuminate the calculated aggression displayed by the top order and the effective execution by the pacers during critical match moments.

As India gears up for the remainder of the World Cup, they continue to convey a clear message: they remain the team to beat.