ICC World Cup 2026: India storm into super 8 after 61-run win over Pakistan, extend record to 8-1
New Delhi : India showcased a commanding performance against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, defeating them by 61 runs in their Group A encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025-26 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to secure a spot in the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, India posted a competitive 175 for 7 in 20 overs, propelled by a blistering 77 from Ishan Kishan that laid the foundation for a challenging total. While skipper Suryakumar Yadav and others made useful contributions, it was Kishan’s power hitting that gave India an early ascendancy and momentum on a pitch that offered turn for bowlers.
Pakistan’s chase never got off the ground. India’s bowlers applied relentless pressure from the outset, with pacers and spinners combining to rattle the Pakistan top order early and often. Within just a couple of overs, Pakistan were reeling at 13 for 3, losing key batsmen cheaply.
As the innings unfolded, Pakistan struggled to build substantial partnerships. Despite a gritty 44 from Usman Khan, the innings lacked cohesion. India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, ensured relentless pressure, eventually bundling Pakistan out for 114 in 18 overs.
The result not only confirmed India’s progression to the Super 8s but also extended their T20 World Cup head-to-head record against Pakistan to 8 wins out of 9 matches — a striking statistic that highlights India’s dominance in the format against their neighbours.
With this win, India continues to build momentum in the tournament, remaining unbeaten and firmly in contention for the knockout stages. Pakistan, meanwhile, now face a crucial final group game against Namibia, needing a victory to keep their own Super 8 hopes alive amid a precarious net run-rate scenario.
India’s emphatic victory underlines their strength and depth in the T20 format and sets up an intriguing run into the business end of the World Cup.
