Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo
Colombo, Feb 15: India continued their dominant run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, thrashing Pakistan by 61 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday to secure a place in the Super 8s. This marked India’s eighth consecutive victory over Pakistan in World Cup encounters.
Sent into bat first, India posted a formidable 175/5 in 20 overs, thanks to a sensational 44-ball 77 from Ishan Kishan. Despite Pakistan deploying six spinners for 18 overs—a World Cup record—the Indian batsmen maintained a high scoring rate.
In reply, Pakistan collapsed under relentless Indian pace, losing four wickets for just 34 runs in the Powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya were devastating, leaving Pakistan with their second-worst start in T20 World Cup history. The win took India to six points, confirming their Super 8 berth, while Pakistan now must win their final group match against Namibia to stay in contention. India will face the Netherlands in their last group-stage match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Wednesday.
Bumrah’s pace display once again stole the show. On a pitch expected to favour spinners, his lethal combination of swing, seam, and pace dismantled Pakistan’s top order. Salman Agha was the first to fall, followed by further damage inflicted by Hardik Pandya’s incisive bowling. Babar Azam and Usman Khan could only hold on temporarily as India’s pacers dominated the early exchanges.
The result also extended India’s record for consecutive wins in T20 World Cups to 11, spanning two editions:
Most Consecutive Wins in Men’s T20 WC:
• 11 – India (2024-2026)
• 8 – South Africa (2024)
• 8 – Australia (2022-2024)
• 7 – England (2010-2012)
• 7 – India (2012-2014)
The match highlighted the shift in cricketing balance: once Pakistan’s pace attack was the envy of the world, but on Sunday night in Colombo, it was Jasprit Bumrah who epitomised world-class fast bowling. Indian fans witnessed a night reminiscent of past Pakistan terror spells, but this time with India’s bowlers setting the tone.
With clinical batting, ruthless pace, and strategic bowling, India has firmly reasserted itself as a dominant force in T20 cricket, leaving Pakistan searching for answers once more.