India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in a Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium, strengthening their position in the tournament standings.
After Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, India posted 175 for 7 in 20 overs. Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs while chasing the target.
India’s Batting Performance
India’s innings was led by Ishan Kishan, who scored 77 runs off 40 balls. His innings included a mix of controlled stroke play and aggressive boundary-hitting, helping India maintain a steady scoring rate through the middle overs.
Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 runs, providing stability after early wickets. India’s middle order ensured the side crossed the 170-run mark despite regular breakthroughs by Pakistan’s bowlers.
Pakistan’s bowling unit managed to restrict India from crossing the 180-run mark, but the total proved competitive given the conditions.
Pakistan’s Chase
In response, Pakistan struggled to build sustained partnerships. Usman Khan was the top scorer with 44 runs, but wickets at regular intervals limited the team’s momentum.
India’s bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the innings. Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel shared the wickets, preventing Pakistan from establishing control during the chase.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in the 18th over, handing India a comprehensive victory.
Tournament Context
The win strengthens India’s position in Group A and improves their net run rate. In ICC tournaments, India–Pakistan fixtures are among the most closely followed matches globally, often carrying significant implications for group standings.
For Pakistan, the loss increases pressure in the remaining group-stage matches, where results will determine qualification for the knockout rounds.
Player of the Match
Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his 77-run innings, which set the foundation for India’s total.
The result adds another chapter to the long-standing cricket rivalry between the two sides and sets up heightened interest in the remaining fixtures of the tournamen
