ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: India Strike Early as Pakistan Reeling at 14/3 Chasing 176
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium
Match: IND vs PAK, 27th Match, Group A
Toss: Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl
India Post 175/7 in 20 Overs
India put up a competitive total of 175/7 in 20 overs, powered by a sensational knock from Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 77 off 40 balls, striking 10 fours and 3 sixes at an explosive strike rate of 192.50. His aggressive intent during the powerplay set the tone for India’s innings.
India scored 52 runs in the first six overs, capitalizing on the fielding restrictions. After Abhishek Sharma fell early, Kishan stitched a crucial 87-run partnership with Tilak Varma. Tilak contributed a steady 25 off 24 balls, ensuring momentum was maintained through the middle overs.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav added 32 runs, while Shivam Dube’s quick 27 off 17 balls provided the late flourish. Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 11 off just 4 deliveries, including a six, helped India finish strongly at a run rate of 8.75.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub impressed with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 25 runs in his four overs. Usman Tariq and Salman Agha also chipped in with a wicket each.
Pakistan’s Nightmare Start: 14/3 in 2.2 Overs
Chasing 176, Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start. India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, ripped through the top order.
- Sahibzada Farhan fell for a duck, caught off Hardik Pandya.
- Saim Ayub was trapped lbw by Jasprit Bumrah after a quick 6 off 2 balls.
- Captain Salman Agha was dismissed by Bumrah, leaving Pakistan at 13/3.
At 14/3 in 2.2 overs, the pressure is firmly on Pakistan. Babar Azam remains at the crease with Usman Khan, but the required run rate is climbing rapidly.
Hardik Pandya bowled a tight spell, conceding just 1 run in his 1.2 overs with a wicket. Bumrah, despite conceding 13 runs in his first over, struck twice to derail Pakistan’s chase.
Key Moments So Far
- 🔥 Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77 sets up the platform.
- ⚡ Saim Ayub’s three-wicket spell keeps Pakistan in the contest.
- 💥 Bumrah’s double strike shakes Pakistan early.
Match Situation
- Target: 176
- Pakistan Score: 14/3 (2.2 overs)
- Runs Needed: 162
- Required Run Rate: Rising sharply
With early wickets in hand, India have seized control of this high-voltage encounter. Pakistan now depend heavily on Babar Azam and the middle order to rebuild and keep their T20 World Cup hopes alive.
The clash between these two cricketing giants is living up to expectations, with momentum swinging rapidly under the Colombo lights. The next few overs will be crucial in deciding whether Pakistan can stage a comeback or India tighten their grip on this Group A blockbuster.