India Dominate Pakistan in T20 World Cup Clash

Team India delivered a clinical performance in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at R.Premadasa Stadium, bowling out Pakistan for just 114 in 18 overs to register a thumping 61-run victory. This marks India’s biggest win over Pakistan in the format and Pakistan’s second-heaviest defeat by runs in T20 World Cups. After Ishan Kishan’s blazing 77 helped India post a challenging 175, skipper Suryakumar Yadav urged his team to focus on skill rather than provocation, setting the stage for a dominant display.

Suryakumar’s Motivational Pep Talk

In a video released by the BCCI on February 16, Yadav addressed his teammates before the innings break, saying, “Keep running between the overs. Kisi se kuch bolna nahi hai (Don’t say a word to anyone). We’ve to play good cricket. Good skill se hum log ye game jeetenge (We will win this game with good skill).” This emphasis on clean cricket paid off as Pakistan’s batting crumbled under pressure, losing four wickets for 34 runs in the powerplay on a spin-friendly pitch. Yadav praised Kishan for his responsibility-taking innings, noting it aligned with their strategy after Pakistan chose to bowl first.

India’s Path to Super 8

With three consecutive wins, India have qualified for the Super 8 stage. Their final group match is against the Netherlands at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on February 18. Pre-seedings place India in Group 1 alongside South Africa and West Indies, with the fourth spot potentially going to Australia or Zimbabwe. Yadav highlighted the team’s adaptability, crediting Kishan and others like Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh for navigating the pitch’s challenges. Pakistan coach defended their decisions, but the loss exposed vulnerabilities, as noted by former captain Shahid Afridi, who called for changes including dropping players like Shaheen Shah Afridi.