T20 World Cup 2026 results: India thrash Pakistan in one-sided meeting in Colombo
India produced a dominant display in Colombo to beat Pakistan by 61 runs and seal progression to the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup. A brutal start from Ishan Kishan and incisive bowling at the top of the chase left Pakistan unable to recover, ending the match in 18 overs with India triumphant by a comfortable margin.
Kishan assault sets the tone as India post 175-7
The match was effectively decided with the bat. Ishan Kishan smashed 77 from 40 balls on a turning, tricky surface, giving the co-hosts a flying start. His counter-attacking innings forced the bowlers onto the back foot early and allowed India to reach a challenging 175 for 7 in their 20 overs. Pakistan's Ayub offered resistance with quality spin, finishing with figures of 3 for 25, and the visitors used a variety of slow bowlers to try to stifle scoring in the middle overs, but Kishan's aggression ensured India always had momentum.
New-ball strikes and tight death bowling finish the job
The chase never got going after early blows. Hardik Pandya struck in the first over and Jasprit Bumrah followed with two quick wickets in the second, putting Pakistan on the back foot at the outset. Usman Khan fought back with a fighting 44 from 34 balls, but there was too much to do. India’s attack was clinical, with Hardik, Ravichandran (Chakravarthy) and Bumrah each taking two wickets and maintaining pressure through tight lines and smart variations. Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in the 18th over.
The result continues India's run of dominance in completed meetings between the sides, marking their ninth successive victory over Pakistan in finished matches. The on-field contest remained largely disciplined despite heightened off-field tensions; the captains did not shake hands at the toss and there were no exchanges after the final play, but the game itself passed without on-field flashpoints.
What this means for both teams
With this win, India are certain to progress as they chase back-to-back tournament titles. Pakistan, by contrast, face a must-win scenario to keep their tournament hopes alive: they need victory over Namibia on Wednesday to guarantee a place in the Super 8s. If they achieve that, the two rivals could still meet again later in the competition, with a semi-final or final clash possible depending on how the knockout picture unfolds.
Pakistan’s preparation for the tournament had been turbulent in the build-up, with calls for a boycott reversed only days before the opening matches. That off-field uncertainty looked to have been put to one side in this fixture, but the scoreboard showed India were the stronger side on the day.
India’s blend of power hitting at the top and disciplined, attacking bowling has once more proved decisive in a marquee meeting between these teams. For Pakistan, the priority now is a quick regrouping and a win against Namibia to keep alive their hopes of progressing from the group stage.
