India stormed into the T20 World Cup Super Eights with a dominant 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, extending their perfect World Cup record against their neighbours.
INDIA delivered a commanding 61-run victory over bitter rivals Pakistan to secure their place in the T20 World Cup Super Eights. The win, achieved in a high-stakes Group A clash that was only confirmed six days ago, extends India’s perfect record against Pakistan in World Cup tournaments across all formats.
Suryakumar Yadav’s side posted a competitive 175 for 7 after being put in to bat. They then dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up, bowling them out for just 114 in 18 overs. The result sees India join the West Indies in qualifying for the next round from their group.
“I think this is for India,” said captain Suryakumar Yadav after the match. He added that batting first was the better option on the wicket.
The innings was built on a spectacular foundation laid by opener Ishan Kishan. He smashed a brilliant 77 from just 44 balls, single-handedly propelling India to 88 for 2 by the time he was dismissed in the ninth over. Kishan’s knock included 10 fours and three sixes.
“I was just keeping it simple and watching the ball and playing with the field,” Kishan said. He credited his aggressive approach, stating he tried to make the fielders run and that his plan worked well.
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously, crumbling to 34 for 4. Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in his first over, while spinner Axar Patel claimed the crucial wicket of Babar Azam for just five. Usman Khan offered brief resistance with a 34-ball 44, but his dismissal triggered a collapse from 78 for 7, effectively ending the contest.
The match was preceded by noticeable tension, as the two captains did not shake hands at the coin toss. This mirrored their interactions during three matches at last year’s Asia Cup. The fixture itself was in doubt until the Pakistan government reversed a threat to boycott the encounter.
India have now won eight of their nine T20 World Cup meetings with Pakistan. They have also won all eight of their ODI World Cup encounters, maintaining a psychological stranglehold in global tournaments.
The teams of the nuclear-armed neighbours only meet in multi-nation tournaments at neutral venues. It has been over 18 years since they last played a Test match and 13 years since a bilateral series was held.
The Sun Malaysia
