Sunday’s T20 World Cup 2026 showdown in Colombo saw India inflict a 61-run hammering on arch-rivals Pakistan. Captain Salman Ali Agha, in a candid assessment, attributed the collapse to a nightmarish powerplay phase that left his side scrambling.
With 176 on the board, Pakistan’s chase began disastrously—four wickets down in 4.5 overs. The scoreboard read a meager 114 after 18 overs. ‘Powerplay losses of 3-4 wickets force constant catch-up mode,’ Agha stated bluntly.
Four spinners were in play, but they underdelivered. ‘Bad day for them, poor execution at vital junctures,’ he analyzed. Second-innings pitch favors were squandered through misadaptation. Emotional turbulence in these fixtures needs mastering, per Agha.
Fallout in Group A: Pakistan tumbles to third (1/3 wins, NRR -0.403), USA climbs to second. India’s winning streak ensures Super-8 spot.
Next up: Namibia on the 18th, a must-win for progression. ‘Experienced this before. Regroup in two days, secure qualification, and reboot for Super-8,’ Agha affirmed. Pakistan’s resilience will be tested in this pivotal clash.