How Did India Dominate Pakistan in the T20 WC Match?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 15 (NationPress) Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar praised India's comprehensive display after the co-hosts of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 dominated Pakistan by 61 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
Kishan shone brightly, scoring 77 runs off 40 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes, while Saim Ayub delivered a notable bowling performance with figures of 3-25, keeping Pakistan in the game.
Kishan’s explosive start allowed India to settle comfortably during the middle overs, with Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav contributing 57 runs off 53 balls to help set a target of 176.
"The Power-play was where India seized control of the match. Ishan Kishan in the first innings and our precise bowling in the second innings were pivotal. We maintained dominance throughout the match. India truly excelled this evening!" Tendulkar expressed on X.
The collapse of Pakistan's batting lineup began immediately as Hardik Pandya dismissed Shahibzada Farhan in the very first over with a well-executed delivery.
Jasprit Bumrah then made an impact, claiming two wickets in his opening over. After conceding a six on his first ball, he rebounded with a remarkable inswinging yorker to dismiss Ayub and then took out skipper Salman Agha on the last ball of the over.
Wicketkeeper Usman Khan was the sole performer for Pakistan, scoring 44 runs, forming a partnership of 21 runs with Babar Azam and then 39 runs with Shadab Khan. However, Pakistan's middle order faltered as India took charge. Axar Patel removed Azam (5) and then Khan with a strategic delivery.
Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Mohmmad Nawaz, while Tilka Varma, in his first bowling appearance of the tournament, took the wicket of all-rounder Shadab Khan. Pakistan's lower order crumbled, losing their last five wickets for just 41 runs.
Pandya, Chakravarthy, Bumrah, Kuldeep, and Axar Patel each picked up wickets as India secured victory by 61 runs.