Cricket’s biggest rivalry delivered another unforgettable night as India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in Match 27 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 15, 2026.
With this dominant win, India confirmed their qualification for the Super 8 stage, while Pakistan now face serious pressure in the tournament.
Match Summary – IND vs PAK 2026
| Detail | Information |
| Tournament | ICC T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Date | 15 February 2026 |
| Result | India won by 61 runs |
| Player of the Match | Ishan Kishan |
India Innings: 175/7 in 20 Overs
After Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl, India recovered from an early setback to post a strong total.
Ishan Kishan Leads the Charge
Ishan Kishan played a fearless knock of 77 runs off 40 balls, smashing 10 fours and 3 sixes. He built momentum in the middle overs and ensured India crossed the 170 mark.
Key Contributions
- Suryakumar Yadav – 32 (29)
- Tilak Varma – 25 (24)
- Shivam Dube – 27 (17)
- Rinku Singh – 11* (4)
India Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs (Balls) |
| Ishan Kishan | 77 (40) |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 32 (29) |
| Tilak Varma | 25 (24) |
| Shivam Dube | 27 (17) |
| Rinku Singh | 11* (4) |
Pakistan Bowling Performance
Pakistan bowlers had moments of control but failed to contain India in the death overs.
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Economy |
| Saim Ayub | 4 | 3 | Economical spell |
| Shaheen Afridi | 4 | 1 | Expensive at death |
| Usman Tariq | 4 | 1 | Mixed spell |
Analysis of Pakistan Bowling
- Early breakthrough helped Pakistan briefly.
- The middle overs lacked a wicket-taking threat.
- Death bowling leaked crucial runs.
- Fielding lapses added extra pressure.
Despite Saim Ayub’s three-wicket haul, Pakistan failed to restrict India under 160, which proved costly later.
Pakistan Innings: 114 All Out in 18 Overs
Chasing 176 against India in a World Cup game always puts pressure on Pakistan, and they crumbled early.
India’s bowlers struck within the power play and never allowed Pakistan to settle.
Pakistan’s top order collapsed under scoreboard pressure.
Pakistan Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs (Balls) |
| Usman Khan | 44 (34) |
| Shaheen Afridi | 23* (19) |
| Babar Azam | 5 (7) |
| Salman Ali Agha | Low score |
Why Pakistan’s Batting Failed
- Poor shot selection in powerplay
- No solid partnerships
- Rising required run rate pressure
- Indian spinners are dominating the middle overs
Only Usman Khan showed some resistance, but without support from the top order, Pakistan were bowled out for 114.
India Bowling: Clinical Execution
India’s bowling attack delivered a disciplined and aggressive performance.
India Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Wickets |
| Hardik Pandya | 2/16 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 2 wickets |
| Axar Patel | 2 wickets |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 2 wickets |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 1 wicket |
The Indian bowlers used variations, tight lines, and smart field placements to keep Pakistan under control throughout the innings.
Key Match Highlights & Records
- India won by 61 runs
- Pakistan’s second-largest defeat by runs in T20 World Cup history
- India now leads 8–1 vs Pakistan in the T20 World Cups
- India qualify for Super 8
- Ishan Kishan’s 77 among the top IND vs PAK World Cup knocks
Tactical Breakdown: IND vs PAK 2026
India’s Strengths
- Explosive middle overs batting
- Balanced bowling attack
- Strong fielding under pressure
Pakistan’s Weaknesses
- Top-order collapse
- Poor death bowling
- Lack of partnerships
Conclusion
India once again proved why they dominated Pakistan in T20 World Cup encounters. With a complete team performance, strong batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, India comfortably sealed their Super 8 spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
