India Secures Emphatic Victory in Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka – India delivered a dominant performance against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, securing a comprehensive 61-run victory at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The win marked another significant moment in the intense cricketing rivalry between the two nations and ensured India's qualification for the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
Batting first, India posted a challenging total of 175 runs for 7 wickets. The innings was anchored by a stellar performance from Ishan Kishan, who scored an attacking 77 runs off just 40 balls. Despite an early wicket, Kishan's aggressive batting provided India with a strong foundation. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also contributed with 32 runs off 27 balls. Pakistan's Saim Ayub was the pick of their bowlers, taking three wickets for 25 runs.
Pakistan's Chase Falters Against Clinical Bowling
In response, Pakistan's chase never gained momentum, and they were eventually bowled out for just 114 runs in 18 overs. India's bowling attack proved too strong, with early breakthroughs from Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah rattling Pakistan's top order. Bumrah dismissed Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, while Pandya sent Sahibzada Farhan back for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah (2/17) and Axar Patel (2/19) were the standout bowlers for India, contributing significantly to the team's clinical performance. Usman Khan was Pakistan's top scorer with 44 runs.
Widespread Political Reactions Follow Victory
The emphatic victory sparked a wave of reactions across the political spectrum in India. Several political leaders praised the team's performance, highlighting the significance of the win. Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the team, stating that 'Formats, places, and dates may change, but the result of India vs Pakistan remains consistent.' Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described the triumph as 'the pride of a billion hearts,' while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed similar sentiments. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan linked the victory to the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri.
However, the decision to hold the match also drew criticism from some opposition leaders. Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa questioned the appropriateness of playing against Pakistan given ongoing tensions, describing Pakistan as a 'hostile neighbour.' Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleged that the match had 'political overtones' and controversially referred to it as a 'Jay Shah vs Pakistan match,' referencing the ICC chief. Despite the varied political discourse, the match itself was a spectacle, with a festive atmosphere at the R Premadasa Stadium.
4 Comments
Katchuka
Bumrah and Axar were phenomenal. Clinical bowling display!
Noir Black
While Ishan Kishan's batting was a masterclass and secured a great victory, the debate about playing Pakistan amidst geopolitical tensions is a valid one. We need to consider more than just the sport.
Eugene Alta
Consistency against Pakistan, just as Amit Shah said. Love to see it!
Katchuka
Why are we even playing Pakistan? It sends the wrong message.