India Humiliate Pakistan in One-Sided T20 World Cup Clash, Ishan shines

 

Pakistan had decided to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India on the very first day of February. Had they stuck to that decision, Sunday’s match would not have taken place — and perhaps they would have been spared the humiliation that followed. However, Pakistan reversed their stance within eight days, and the consequences were evident on the field. What is now called a “high-voltage clash” exists only in name. After this match, the head-to-head record in T20 World Cups moved from 7–1 to a dominant 8–1 in India’s favour.

After losing the toss, India posted a competitive 175/7. In reply, Pakistan collapsed to a modest 114 all out. Only a late cameo from Shaheen Afridi prevented the total from slipping below 100. At no point did Pakistan look capable of winning. After the first two overs, it was clear that only a miracle could save them — and no miracle arrived.

The cornerstone of India’s victory was Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking innings. On a slow Colombo pitch, he batted as if playing on a different surface altogether. From the moment he welcomed Shaheen Afridi with a towering six, Kishan dominated the bowling. He dismantled Pakistan’s spinners with ease, displaying remarkable confidence and audacity. Without his aggressive knock, India would never have reached such a commanding total.

However , matching Kishan’s tempo was risky, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma played sensibly, focusing on rotating strike rather than reckless hitting. Their 38-run partnership for the third wicket proved vital in maintaining momentum, even if the scoring rate dipped slightly. Once again, Surya showed maturity with a captain-like innings.

India’s total was further boosted by a late onslaught from Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh. Dube smashed 27 off 17 balls, while Rinku added a quick 11 off just four deliveries. Their fearless hitting in the final overs pushed India well beyond Pakistan’s reach.

On a difficult pitch, losing top-order wickets early is usually fatal — and Pakistan learned that the hard way. Hardik Pandya dismissed Sahibzada Farhan cheaply, and Jasprit Bumrah followed up with a perfect yorker to remove Saim Ayub. Within two overs, Pakistan were already three wickets down. Babar compounded ma From that point, their chase was effectively over though there was flashes of brilliance from Usman Khan (44) . Babar was bowled by Akshar playing a horrendous across the line shot. 

Despite preparing for Pakistan’s five spinners, India were surprised when Salman Agha opened the bowling and even took a wicket. However, Pakistan’s biggest blunder was saving Shaheen for the final over. He leaked runs once again, conceding 16 in the last over and allowing India to inflate their total further.

What was once cricket’s greatest rivalry has become a predictable mismatch. India’s all-round superiority — in batting, bowling, and fielding — ensured a crushing victory, while Pakistan were left searching for answers after yet another demoralising defeat.