Dominance defined India’s 61-run victory over Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Match 27 at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Clinching a third successive win, the Blue Brigade advances to Super 8, intensifying the tournament’s excitement.
From a 29-run edge over USA to Namibia’s 93-run drubbing, India’s form was ominous. The Netherlands await on February 18, but vanquishing Pakistan elevates their campaign.
After toss loss, batting first saw Abhishek Sharma depart for 0 immediately. Ishan Kishan countered brilliantly, scoring 77 off 40 balls (10×4, 3×6) alongside Tilak Varma (25) for 87 runs in 46 balls, reaching 88.
Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 29) built 38-run and 33-run stands with Varma and Shivam Dube (27), respectively. Rinku’s 11* off 4 ended at 175/7. Pakistan grabbed wickets via Saim Ayub (3), and one each from Agha, Afridi, Tariq.
Target 176 proved mountainous; Pakistan at 0/1 early, 13/3 soon. Usman Khan top-scored 44 (34b, 6×4, 1×6), aiding Babar (5) for 21 and Shadab (14) for 39. Post 73/5, they staggered to 114 in 18 overs.
Bowling masterclass from Hardik, Bumrah, Axar, Varun (2/ each), Kuldeep, Tilak (1/). This result underscores India’s resilience from early setbacks and ruthless execution, priming them for Super 8 glory.