India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 delivered everything cricket fans crave—and more. On a slow, turning pitch at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, defending champions India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan by 61 runs to storm into the Super Eights. Ishan Kishan lit up the night with a breathtaking 77 off just 40 balls, defying conditions that had experts predicting a low-scoring grind. Pakistan, despite their spin-heavy attack, crumbled to 114 all out in 18 overs.
This wasn’t just another IND vs PAK 2026 highlights reel. It was a masterclass in adaptability, with Kishan rising above a tacky surface to post 175/7—a total that proved 25 runs above par. India’s win extended their T20 World Cup dominance over Pakistan to 8-1, while sealing qualification with games to spare. For Pakistan, the defeat means they must beat Namibia in their final group game to stay alive.
From the pre-match hype to the post-match heartbreak, this T20 World Cup 2026 recap breaks down every twist, every stat, and every story. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching the India beat Pakistan by 61 runs buzz, buckle up for the full story.
India vs Pakistan Cricket Rivalry: The Greatest Show in T20 World Cup History
The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash wasn’t just a match—it was cricket’s ultimate blockbuster. For decades, these two nations have turned every encounter into a global event. Billions tune in. Hearts race. And on February 15, 2026, at R Premadasa Stadium, India reminded the world why this rivalry remains unmatched.
India now leads Pakistan 8-1 in T20 World Cup meetings, including a dramatic bowl-out win in the 2007 final. That maiden encounter ended in a tie, but India prevailed in the super over drama. Since then? Pure dominance. Pakistan’s only victory came in the 2021 group stage in Dubai, a rain-affected thriller where they chased 152 with ease.
Let’s rewind the iconic battles that built this legacy:
- 2007 T20 World Cup Final (Johannesburg): India 157/5, Pakistan 152/9. India won by bowl-out after a tie. Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa sealed it.
- 2009 Group Stage (The Oval): Pakistan edged India by 3 runs in a low-scorer.
- 2012 Group Stage (Colombo): India chased 129 with 8 wickets in hand, Virat Kohli starring.
- 2016 Group Stage (Kolkata): India defended 159 by 6 runs.
- 2021 Super 12 (Dubai): Pakistan chased 152 in 17.5 overs— their lone T20 WC win.
- 2022 Group Stage (Melbourne): India won by 4 wickets chasing 160.
- 2024 Group Stage (New York): India defended 119 to win by 6 runs on a seamer’s paradise.
This 2026 edition? A one-sided affair, but no less memorable. Pre-match, the buzz was electric. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha talked big about their spinners. India skipper Suryakumar Yadav focused on “playing our brand.” Off-field drama? Rumors of boycotts and political tensions added spice, but cricket won.
Fans in Colombo—90% in blue—created a sea of noise. Social media exploded with memes, predictions, and nostalgia. “This is bigger than the final,” one X post read. And for good reason. India vs Pakistan 2026 highlights trended worldwide, with over 500 million views expected.
Pakistan entered with confidence. Their spin quartet—Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz—had been lethal. But on the day, execution failed. India? Ruthless. Their 16-match ICC limited-overs winning streak (across World Cups and Champions Trophy) continued. This victory made it 11 straight T20 WC wins for India—a record.
Why does this rivalry endure? It’s not just cricket. It’s history, passion, and national pride. From partition scars to modern-day thrillers, every ball carries weight. In 2026, with India as defending champs and Pakistan chasing glory, the stakes felt sky-high.
| T20 World Cup IND vs PAK Results | Winner | Margin | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Final | India (bowl-out) | – | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| 2009 Group Stage | Pakistan | 3 runs | The Oval | 2009 |
| 2012 Group Stage | India | 8 wkts | Colombo | 2012 |
| 2016 Group Stage | India | 6 runs | Kolkata | 2016 |
| 2021 Super 12 | Pakistan | 10 wkts | Dubai | 2021 |
| 2022 Group Stage | India | 4 wkts | Melbourne | 2022 |
| 2024 Group Stage | India | 6 runs | New York | 2024 |
| 2026 Group Stage | India | 61 runs | Colombo | 2026 |
This table shows India’s stranglehold. The 2026 win? Their biggest by runs in T20Is against Pakistan while batting first.
Toss, Playing XI, and Pitch Report: Pakistan Opt to Bowl on Spin-Friendly Colombo Track
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl. Captain Salman Agha cited the “tacky” first-innings conditions and hoped for dew later. It was a bold call on a pitch that screamed “spin.”
Full Playing XIs:
India:
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan:
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Babar Azam
- Usman Khan (wk)
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Abrar Ahmed
- Usman Tariq
Pakistan’s XI featured a record six spinners—Ayub, Agha, Shadab, Nawaz, Abrar, and part-timer Tariq. It was a World Cup first. India went balanced, with Hardik opening the bowling.
The R Premadasa Stadium pitch? A classic Colombo slow-turner. Average first-innings score in T20Is here: 152. Spinners thrive as the ball grips. Big boundaries (74m square, 84m straight) punish mistimed shots. In 2012, India spinners bowled England out for 80—the venue’s lowest.
Pre-match analysis? Experts called 150 par. Pakistan’s spinners looked menacing. But dew? It never came. The surface stayed tacky, aiding India’s tweakers later.
Tactical edge? Pakistan’s spin barrage in powerplay was smart. But India’s depth shone.
India Innings Highlights: Ishan Kishan’s Explosive 77 Defies Spin Barrage
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 innings one was all about one man: Ishan Kishan.
Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck in the first over, caught off Agha’s offspin. 1/1. Enter Kishan. He pulled Shaheen Afridi’s first ball for six—pure disdain. The powerplay? India’s. 52/1 in 6 overs.
Kishan toyed with Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed? Swept for six, then hat-trick of boundaries. Shadab Khan’s over? 17 runs, including a six and four. By over 8, Kishan had 72 of 82. His fifty? 27 balls—the fastest in IND-PAK T20 WC history.
He fell in the 9th over to Ayub, bowled attempting a reverse-pull. 77 off 40: 10 fours, 3 sixes. SR 192.50. At dismissal, he’d scored 87% of India’s runs.
The middle? A slump. Tilak Varma (25 off 24) and Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 29) grafted. Ayub struck twice in the 15th—Tilak lbw, Hardik golden duck. 126/4.
But late fireworks: Shivam Dube (27 off 17) and Rinku Singh (11* off 4) added 27 in the last two overs. India reached 175/7.
Why was 175 special? On this pitch, 150 was par. Kishan’s knock? A outlier. He hit 66 off 37 against spin—the second-most at Premadasa.
India Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan (wk) | b Saim Ayub | 77 | 40 | 10 | 3 | 192.50 |
| Abhishek Sharma | c Shaheen b Salman Agha | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Tilak Varma | lbw b Saim Ayub | 25 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 104.17 |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | c Ayub b Usman Tariq | 32 | 29 | 3 | 0 | 110.34 |
| Hardik Pandya | c Babar b Saim Ayub | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Shivam Dube | run out (Nawaz/Usman) | 27 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 158.82 |
| Rinku Singh | not out | 11 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 275.00 |
| Axar Patel | c Ayub b Shaheen | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | (lb 2, w 1) | 3 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 175/7 (20 overs) | 175 | – | 19 | 6 | 8.75 |
Pakistan Bowling Figures
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Eco |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salman Agha | 2 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 5.00 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 2 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 15.50 |
| Saim Ayub | 4 | 0 | 25 | 3 | 6.20 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 3 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 12.70 |
| Shadab Khan | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 17.00 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 4 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 7.00 |
| Usman Tariq | 4 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 6.00 |
Kishan’s off-side play? Game-changer. He scored 25 off 9 there, forcing bowlers into his leg-side strength.
Suryakumar later said: “Ishan thought something out of the box… He was amazing.”
This Ishan Kishan 77 vs Pakistan innings? His best in a World Cup. From domestic exile to hero—pure redemption.
Pakistan Innings Recap: Early Collapse Seals 61-Run Defeat
Pakistan’s chase? A nightmare from ball one.
Hardik Pandya’s first over: Sahibzada Farhan miscued a pull for 0. Wicket maiden.
Bumrah’s second: Saim Ayub lbw to a yorker (6). Salman Agha flicked tamely to Hardik (4). 13/3 in 2 overs.
Babar Azam (5) bowled by Axar. 34/4 in 5 overs.
Usman Khan fought: 44 off 34, with sixes off Pandya and Axar. But stumped charging Axar. Game over.
Spinners strangled: Varun Chakaravarthy (2/17) took two in two. Kuldeep (1/14), Tilak (1/11). Shaheen’s late 23* was futile.
Pakistan all out for 114 in 18 overs—their third-lowest vs India.
Pakistan Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | c Rinku b Hardik | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Saim Ayub | lbw b Bumrah | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 300.00 |
| Salman Agha (c) | c Hardik b Bumrah | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Babar Azam | b Axar | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 71.43 |
| Usman Khan (wk) | st Kishan b Axar | 44 | 34 | 6 | 1 | 129.41 |
| Shadab Khan | c Dube b Tilak | 14 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 93.33 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | c Dube b Kuldeep | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Faheem Ashraf | c Rinku b Chakaravarthy | 10 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 71.43 |
| Shaheen Afridi | not out | 23 | 19 | 2 | 1 | 121.05 |
| Abrar Ahmed | lbw b Chakaravarthy | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Usman Tariq | b Hardik | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | (lb 1, w 3) | 4 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 114 all out (18 overs) | 114 | – | 12 | 3 | 6.33 |
India Bowling Figures
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Eco |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardik Pandya | 3 | 1 | 16 | 2 | 5.30 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 2 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 8.50 |
| Axar Patel | 4 | 0 | 29 | 2 | 7.20 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 3 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 5.70 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 3 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 4.70 |
| Tilak Varma | 2 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 5.50 |
| Rinku Singh | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9.00 |
Hardik: “We planned tight areas.” Bumrah’s yorker? World-class.
Pakistan’s top four: 15 runs total. Spin barrage backfired.
ESPNcricinfo match report.
Player of the Match and Key Performers: Ishan Kishan Lights Up Colombo
Ishan Kishan earned Player of the Match for his 77. But the story runs deeper.
Dropped in 2023 after a tour withdrawal, Kishan returned via domestic fire. He captained Jharkhand to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 517 runs at SR 197. In 2026, he carried that form: 61 vs Namibia, then this blitz.
His off-side improvement? Key. “I worked a lot on it,” he said. 25 runs off 9 off-side balls. Against spin: 178 SR.
Other stars:
- Hardik Pandya: 2/16, including Farhan and Tariq. 8 T20 WC wickets vs Pakistan—most ever.
- Jasprit Bumrah: 2/17. New-ball magic.
- Axar Patel: 2/29, including Babar and Usman.
- Saim Ayub: 3/25 for Pakistan—lone bright spot.
Turning points: Kishan’s powerplay (88/1 in 9), Pakistan’s 13/3 start.
Mike Hesson (Pakistan coach): “Kishan took the game away.”
IND vs PAK 2026 Stats: Records Broken and Milestones
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 shattered records.
| Key Stats | Detail |
|---|---|
| India’s T20 WC record vs PAK | 8-1 |
| Biggest IND win margin vs PAK (batting 1st) | 61 runs |
| Pakistan’s lowest T20I total vs IND | 114 (3rd lowest) |
| Most spinners in a T20I | 11 total (6 by PAK) |
| Spin overs by one team | 18 (joint-most in T20 WC) |
| Kishan’s % of team score at dismissal | 87.5% (77/88) |
| India’s ICC limited-overs streak | 16 wins |
India’s 175: Highest IND total vs PAK in T20 WC.
Kishan’s 77: Highest by Indian opener vs Pakistan in T20Is.
Post-Match Quotes and Tournament Impact: India Seal Super 8s
Suryakumar Yadav: “Ishan was amazing… 175 was 15-20 above par.”
Ishan Kishan: “Wicket wasn’t easy, but I focused on gaps… 160-170 was the target.”
Salman Agha: “Spinners had an off day… We didn’t apply ourselves.”
Tournament Impact: India qualify for Super Eights. Pakistan need a win (or NR) vs Namibia.
India’s juggernaut rolls. Pakistan? Soul-searching.
India’s Dominance Continues: What’s Next in T20 World Cup 2026?
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 ended in familiar fashion: blue dominance. Kishan’s heroics and clinical bowling made it one-sided, but the rivalry’s magic endures.
India look unstoppable. Super Eights await. Pakistan? One more chance.
Cricket fans, this is why we love the game. Till the next clash—keep the passion alive.
FAQ: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026
1. Who won the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match? India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs in the 27th Match, Group A on February 15, 2026, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 This victory sealed India’s place in the Super Eights and extended their T20 World Cup head-to-head record against Pakistan to 8-1.
2. What was the final score in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026? India posted 175/7 in 20 overs, powered by Ishan Kishan’s 77 off 40 balls. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, handing India their biggest-ever margin of victory by runs while batting first against Pakistan in T20Is.
3. Who was the Player of the Match in IND vs PAK 2026? Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his sensational 77 off 40 balls (10 fours, 3 sixes) on a difficult, spin-friendly pitch. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 His knock accounted for 87.5% of India’s runs at the time of his dismissal.
4. What was Ishan Kishan’s score in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026? Ishan Kishan smashed 77 off 40 balls at a strike rate of 192.50. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 It was the highest score by an Indian opener against Pakistan in T20Is and the fourth-highest individual score in all IND-PAK T20I encounters.
5. By how many runs did India beat Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026? India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 India beat Pakistan by 61 runs — their largest margin of victory against Pakistan while batting first in men’s T20Is and Pakistan’s second-heaviest defeat in T20 World Cup history.
6. What is India’s T20 World Cup record against Pakistan after the 2026 match? India now lead 8-1 in T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan (including the 2007 bowl-out win). India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 This was also India’s sixth consecutive T20I win over Pakistan.
7. Where and when was the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match played? The 27th Match, Group A was played on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Toss at 7:00 PM local time; Pakistan won and opted to bowl.
8. How did the pitch behave in IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026? The R. Premadasa pitch was slow and tacky, offering sharp turn and low bounce. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 A record 11 spinners were used in the match, with Pakistan bowling a World Cup record 18 overs of spin.
9. What are the tournament implications after India beat Pakistan by 61 runs in 2026? India qualified for the Super Eights with an unassailable record. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Pakistan must now defeat Namibia in their final group game (or achieve a no-result depending on NRR) to progress.
10. Where can I find the full scorecard for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026? Full scorecard: India 175/7 (Ishan Kishan 77, Suryakumar Yadav 32; Saim Ayub 3/25) beat Pakistan 114 (Usman Khan 44; Hardik Pandya 2/16, Jasprit Bumrah 2/17, Axar Patel 2/29, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/17) by 61 runs. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Detailed tables available on ICC official site and ESPNcricinfo.