Pakistan suffered a 61-run defeat against India in their third group-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Despite the loss, Pakistan set a unique bowling record by deploying six specialist spin options in a single innings on a slow and turning surface during the high-octane encounter.
The spin attack featured left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, all-rounders, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, and mystery spinners, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq and captain Salman Ali Agha.
The use of six spinners marked the highest number deployed by any team in a men’s T20 World Cup innings and equaled the most by a full-member nation in the shortest format of the game.
The Salman Ali Agha-led side bowled a total of 18 overs of spin, conceding 142 runs and claiming five wickets as they attempted to contain India in the 20-over contest.
Saim Ayub delivered the most effective spell for the Men in Green, taking three wickets for 25 runs in his four overs on a surface offering grip and turn.
Usman Tariq and Salman Ali Agha claimed one wicket each, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan struggled, conceding 38 runs in three overs and 17 runs in one over, respectively.
Despite Pakistan’s reliance on spin-friendly conditions, defending champions India posted a competitive total of 175 for five in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant knock from Ishan Kishan.
The left-handed opener scored 77 from 40 balls with 10 fours and three sixes, while Suryakumar Yadav made 32, and Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube added 25 and 27, respectively.
In response, the top order showed little resistance against the Indian bowlers, losing their first four wickets for 34 runs in 4.5 overs, with all batters dismissed in single figures.
Usman Khan was the top scorer for Pakistan, scoring 44 runs off 34 balls, while Shaheen Shah scored 23 runs off 19 balls, helping the national team reach 114 before being bowled out.
