T20 World Cup: India Crush Pakistan by 61 Runs in Colombo Thriller

Colombo

 In one of the biggest clashes of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India registered a dominant 61-run victory over Pakistan. Playing at a packed stadium in Colombo, the Indian team delivered a complete performance with both bat and ball, leaving their arch-rivals stunned.

Chasing a target of 176 runs, Pakistan collapsed under relentless pressure from the Indian bowling attack and were bowled out well short of the target.

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Ishan Kishan’s Explosive Knock Powers India to 175

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, India posted 175 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.

Opener Ishan Kishan emerged as the star of the innings, smashing a blistering 77 off just 40 balls. His knock included 10 boundaries and three massive sixes, setting the tone for a commanding total.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed a valuable 32 runs to stabilize the middle order.

For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets.

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Indian Bowlers Dominate as Pakistan Collapse

Pakistan’s chase of 176 got off to a disastrous start, with Indian bowlers striking at regular intervals and never allowing the batters to settle.

• Varun Chakravarthy: In the 16th over, he dismissed Abrar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf off consecutive deliveries, putting himself on a hat-trick and breaking Pakistan’s backbone.

• Jasprit Bumrah: He removed Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha cheaply, tightening the screws early in the innings.

• Axar Patel: Axar picked up crucial wickets, including Pakistan captain Babar Azam (5 runs) and the dangerous Usman Khan (44 runs).

• Other Contributors: Hardik Pandya dismissed Sahibzada Farhan for a duck, while Kuldeep Yadav sent Mohammad Nawaz back to the pavilion. Tilak Varma also chipped in with the wicket of Shadab Khan.

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Match Situation

At the time of writing, Pakistan were 97 for 9 in 15.3 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi was fighting at the crease, but India’s victory had become a mere formality.

With this emphatic win, India once again stamped their authority in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.

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