India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs on Sunday to qualify for the next round of the T20 World Cup in a high-stakes clash.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India posted 175-7 after a strong start powered by Ishan Kishan, who scored a brilliant 77. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
The win marked India’s third consecutive victory in the tournament.
The match went ahead after uncertainty earlier in the week, when Pakistan reversed a decision to boycott the game. Tensions were visible at the toss, where the captains did not shake hands.
India welcomed back opener Abhishek Sharma, who had missed the previous matches due to illness, but he was dismissed early. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha surprised many by opening the bowling himself, trapping Sharma lbw.
Pakistan relied heavily on spin, using three spinners in the powerplay. India reached 52-1 after six overs. Kishan, however, counterattacked with an explosive knock, reaching his second straight fifty of the tournament in just 27 balls.
Saim Ayub ended Kishan’s 40-ball innings and later claimed three wickets to keep Pakistan in the contest. India were 92-2 at the halfway stage but could not fully capitalize in the death overs, finishing at 175-7.
Pakistan’s chase faltered quickly. Hardik Pandya removed opener Sahibzada Farhan for a duck, while Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in one over to leave Pakistan struggling at 13-3.
Despite a fighting 44 from Usman Khan, Pakistan never recovered. Axar Patel delivered the decisive blow by having Usman stumped, sealing a comfortable Indian victory.
With the result, India advanced to the next round, while Pakistan’s campaign suffered a major setback.
