Hyderabad: India thrashed Pakistan by 61 runs in the T20 World Cup in Colombo on Sunday, sealing a Super 8 berth with their third straight win in Group A. With the victory, India moved to the top of the standings and confirmed qualification for the next stage.
At the R. Premadasa Stadium, India delivered a disciplined all-round show. After opting to bat, the team set a competitive target. Later, the bowlers dominated the chase and never allowed Pakistan to settle.
Chasing 176, Pakistan collapsed early in the T20 World Cup contest. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah struck in the power play and removed key batters. As a result, Pakistan slipped to 13 for 3 and struggled to rebuild. Usman Khan scored 44 in a lone fight. However, once he fell, the lower order failed to resist. India bowled Pakistan out for 114 in 18 overs.
Hardik, Bumrah, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy picked up two wickets each. In addition, Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma claimed one wicket apiece.
Ishan Kishan powers India in T20 World Cup clash
Earlier, India lost Abhishek Sharma for a duck soon after choosing to bat. However, Ishan Kishan countered with an aggressive innings. He smashed 77 off 40 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. His knock gave India early momentum.
Meanwhile, Tilak Varma scored 25 and captain Suryakumar Yadav added 32. Although Hardik Pandya fell for a duck, the middle order recovered quickly. Shivam Dube struck 27 off 17 balls, and Rinku Singh chipped in with 11 off four deliveries. Consequently, India posted 175 for 7 in 20 overs in the T20 World Cup fixture. For Pakistan, Saim Ayub claimed three wickets.
India will next face the Netherlands in their final Group A league match on February 18 in Ahmedabad. A win there could help them carry strong momentum into the Super 8 stage.
