India beats Pakistan by 61 runs as World Cup scenario heats up

Pakistan-India World Cup Cricket match held in Colombo on Sunday. Bloom Pakistan

India has stormed into the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The emphatic win guarantees India the top spot in Group A with three consecutive victories, while leaving Pakistan facing a do-or-die scenario in their final group match.

Despite the intense buildup, which saw black-market ticket prices soar to four times their face value and hotels in Colombo fully booked, the on-field contest proved to be surprisingly one-sided.

The match was attended by top cricket administrators, including ICC Chairman Jay Shah and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in what was billed as an opportunity for cricket diplomacy.

However, the traditional coldness between the neighbors remained visible as the two captains skipped the customary handshake, keeping the rivalry as tense off the field as it is on it.

Put into bat on a sluggish surface, India faced an immediate surprise when Pakistan captain Salman Agha opened the bowling himself, dismissing dangerous opener Abhishek Sharma for a duck in the very first over.

However, Ishan Kishan seized control of the innings, smashing a blistering 77 off just 40 balls—the fastest fifty in an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Along with Tilak Varma, he stitched a crucial 87-run partnership.

Despite Pakistan deploying a record six spinners in an attempt to utilize the slow conditions, India posted a competitive 175 for 7.

In reply, Pakistan’s chase never found momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing openers Saim Ayub and Salman Agha cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 34 for 4 inside the powerplay.

Although Usman Khan offered some resistance with a fighting 44, the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure from Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya, who claimed two wickets each. Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 114 in 18 overs.

The result has simplified the equation for Group A. Pakistan, currently on 4 points, must defeat Namibia on February 18 to join India in the Super Eight.

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A victory would see them progress ahead of the United States—who have finished their group matches with 4 points—due to a superior Net Run Rate. However, a shock defeat to Namibia would eliminate the former champions and send the Americans through to the next round.

For other teams, the pressure is mounting in Group B, where Australia faces a critical test against hosts Sri Lanka today. A loss for the Australians would leave them on the brink of elimination, needing other results to go their way, whereas a win for Sri Lanka would secure their progression. - AP/UNB