T20 World Cup 2026: Ishan, Hardik Star as India Beat Pakistan

Mangalore Today News Network

Colombo, Feb 15, 2026: India registered a comprehensive 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, continuing their dominance over arch-rivals with an eighth consecutive win.

Put in to bat, India posted a competitive 175 for 7 in 20 overs, riding on a blistering 77 off 40 balls by Ishan Kishan. His aggressive knock laid a strong foundation on a spin-friendly surface. Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings in the middle overs, while late cameos from Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh helped India boost the total.

In reply, Pakistan struggled from the outset, slipping to 38 for 4 in the powerplay. Early breakthroughs by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel put Pakistan on the back foot.

India’s spinners tightened the noose in the middle overs, exploiting the assistance from the pitch and keeping the scoring rate in check. Despite brief resistance from Pakistan’s middle order, regular wickets ensured the chase never recovered.

The emphatic win confirmed India’s place in the Super 8 stage of the tournament.