India put in a strong performance at the R. Premadasa Stadium to outclass Pakistan by 61 runs in an important T20 World Cup encounter. Banking on a sensational 77 of 40 balls by Ishan Kishan, India first reached 175 for 7 in a slow and spin-friendly wicket before bowling out Pakistan for just 114. The win was India’s 8th in 9 World T20 matches against Pakistan and helped them seal their place in the Super Eight.
Kishan Rises Above Testing Conditions
Sent into bat, India found themselves in trouble early when Salman Agha sent back Abhishek Sharma in the first over without scoring. This surface offered good turn and grip and Pakistan ended up bowling 18 overs of spin. But Kishan stood tall under tough circumstances.
Kishan looked all business from the beginning. He was especially assured against Shaheen Shah Afridi’s short-of-length deliveries, pulling the first ball he faced for a six. He took his quick hands and innovative strokeplay to the spinners. He smote Abrar Ahmed for a six first ball and continued to assail over mid-on and extra cover.
Whereas the rest of India’s batting order had struggled to switch gears – it made just 98 runs from balls, including extras – Kishan hammered in his foot on the accelerator in the powerplay. India motored to 52 for 1 in the opening six overs, with his aggressive intent playing a major part in that. He reached his fifty off a mere 27 balls as he revealed superb control and purpose.
When he finally fell to Saim Ayub for 77 in the ninth over, Kishan had scored 77 of India’s first 88 runs. His innings ended up being the telling difference on a pitch when the timing the ball wasn’t easy.
Pakistan’s Spin Strategy Backfires
Pakistan’s steep dependence on spin also seemed vindicated by the slow pitch at first. However, tactical decisions proved costly. Shadab Khan was brought on against two left-handers and gave away 17 runs in an over. Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi also went for runs in the death overs.
Suryakumar Yadav contributed a calm 32, and Shivam Dube (27 off 17) and Rinku Singh (11 off 4) provided the late fillip. Saim Ayub’s fine spell of three for 25 notwithstanding, Pakistan spinners never looked like containing India at critical junctures.
Hardik and Bumrah Seal the Deal
If Kishan set the game up with the bat, India’s bowlers completed it in style. Hardik Pandya struck in his first over, as well, bowling disciplined and hard lengths to trap Sahibzada Farhan for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah then bowled a wicket maiden to get rid of Saim Ayub and Salman Agha as Pakistan immediately felt the heat.
Pakistan’s chase was already derailed at 34 for 4 inside five overs. And then Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel joined in the fun, taking two wickets each, utilising the turning track well.
Usman Khan Fights a Lone Battle
Amid the wreckage, Usman Khan resisted with a fluent 44 from 34 balls. He carted Hardik for a six and went after Axar Patel with aggression, plundering 27 off just 15 balls at one point. His inside-out drives and lofted shots provided a glimmer of hope for Pakistan.
But Axar had the last laugh when he beat the batsman for pace after pulling his length back as Usman charged down. Kishan fittingly completed the catch behind stumps, effectively sealing India’s overwhelming show.
A Complete Team Effort
India’s 175 for 7 proved to be well above par on an awkward surface. Pakistan’s innings never really gathered steam, as they were all out for 114 to give India their biggest win against the arch-rivals in T20Is.
The game showcased three important issues:
- Kishan’s incredible flexibility on a spinning track
- India’s disciplined new-ball bowling
- Pakistan’s failure to adapt within the context of their batting
India, with this massive victory, not only ensured their place in the tournament, but they also sent ear-piercing roars to other teams. If Kishan continues his form and their bowlers find the best in them, India would be one of the favourites come the business part of the tournament.
Read More: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
