In an ICC T20 World Cup 2026 contest that swung like a pendulum, India has posted a competitive 175/7 in their 20 overs against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
What started as a tactical masterclass by Pakistan’s spinners turned into a frantic finish, with Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh looting 20 runs off the final over bowled by Shaheen Afridi.
The Gamble & The Counter-Punch
Pakistan skipper Salman Agha made a massive call at the toss, electing to bowl and opening the attack himself to counter India’s left-handers. The move paid off instantly as he removed Abhishek Sharma for a duck in the very first over.
However, the celebration was short-lived.
Ishan Kishan launched a ferocious counter-attack. Refusing to let the bowlers settle, the wicketkeeper-batter dismantled the attack, including smashing Shaheen Afridi for 15 runs in his first over. India raced to 52/1 in the Powerplay, seizing the early momentum despite the initial blow.
Kishan’s Masterclass & The Spin Web
While the pitch offered grip and turn, Kishan was playing on a different surface. He smashed a blistering 77 off 40 balls, punishing anything loose. His knock was the backbone of India’s innings.
Pakistan clawed their way back in the middle overs. The introduction of Saim Ayub changed the game. Ayub castled Kishan with a slower delivery and then removed Tilak Varma (25) and Hardik Pandya (0) in consecutive deliveries in the 15th over. It was a spell that nearly broke India’s back, as Ayub finished with stellar figures of 3/25.
The Finish: Chaos in the 20th Over
Entering the death overs, India looked to launch but lost momentum with the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav (32). It came down to the final over, with India at 159/5.
Salman Agha turned to his premier pacer, Shaheen Afridi, to close it out. It backfired.
- Shivam Dube started with a straight drive for four.
- Rinku Singh then slashed a four over point and clubbed a massive six over deep square leg.
- Despite two wickets falling on the last two balls (Dube run out and Axar Patel caught), India managed to take 20 runs off the final over to finish near the 180-mark.
Pakistan needs 176 runs to win. The pitch is taking spin, and with India’s T20 World Cup 2026 trio of Kuldeep, Axar, and Varun waiting, this chase will require nerves of steel.
Innings Highlights
- Top Scorer: Ishan Kishan with 77 (40)
- Best Bowler: Saim Ayub with 3/25 (4 overs)
- The Turning Point: Saim Ayub’s double strike in the 15th over (removing Tilak and Hardik).
- The Final Flourish: 20 runs off Shaheen Afridi’s 20th over.
