India Thrash Pakistan to Reach T20 World Cup Super 8s

It was a dominant win for India as they thrashed Pakistan by 61 runs to progress to the Super 8s at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

At the coin toss, the captains of the respective sides refused to shake hands and there was tension leading up to the match in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s government threatened to boycott the match after Bangladesh were kicked out of the World Cup for refusing to play matches in India, citing security concerns.

It was only after intense discussions with the International Cricket Council that Pakistan finally agreed.

However, the match proved to be largely underwhelming and one-sided.

After losing the toss, India posted 175-7. Ishan Kishan led the charge with 77 from 40 balls at the top of the order.

He set the tempo early, attacking on a surface offering assistance to spin. His knock ensured India maintained control even as wickets fell in the middle overs.

Pakistan spinner Saim Ayub returned figures of 3-25. He came close to a hat-trick in the 15th over but could not complete it.

Pakistan’s chase unravelled quickly, slumping to 13-3 inside two overs.

Saim Ayub, who made six, was pinned lbw by Jasprit Bumrah one ball after striking a six. Bumrah finished with 2-17 to underline his influence with the new ball.

Pakistan never recovered from the early damage. A series of rash shots halted any attempt to rebuild.

They were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. It marked their first defeat of this World Cup following wins over the Netherlands and the USA.

Pakistan can still reach the Super 8s. They will secure qualification if they avoid an upset against Namibia in Colombo on February 18.

Meanwhile, India has three wins from three. They edged past the USA earlier in the tournament and thrashed Namibia before this result.

Suryakumar Yadav’s side will conclude the group stage against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18.

With qualification secured, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum ahead of the knockout rounds.

The victory means India has now won eight of their nine meetings across all editions of this competition.

If 50-over World Cups are included, India has 16 wins from 17 against Pakistan. The only blemish remains the 10-wicket defeat in Dubai in 2021.