India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign roared on with a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in Colombo. Captain Suryakumar Yadav credited Ishan Kishan, the match-winner with 77 runs from 40 deliveries (10 fours, 3 sixes), for stabilizing the innings after a shocking start at 1/1.
Setting 176, India watched Pakistan crumble to 114 in 18 overs. Suryakumar said post-match, ‘Whole nation celebrates this. We executed our blueprint perfectly. Ishan’s aggressive yet responsible batting echoes his recent outings. He stepped up when responsibility was key post that early blow.’
Tilak Varma shone with 25 runs and a wicket; Shivam Dube hammered 27 off 17; Rinku Singh exploded for 11 in 4 balls. ‘This pitch made 155 defendable; 175 gave us edge. Hardik owned the new ball, Bumrah lived up to his billing as top bowler,’ noted the skipper.
Third win in a row books Super-8 berth. Next up: Netherlands on Feb 18, then Ahmedabad planning. Suryakumar’s X post with game images read ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ Such team efforts exemplify India’s World Cup dominance, blending youth verve with senior savvy.