Colombo witnessed a batting masterclass from India as they unleashed ‘Operation White Ball’ against Pakistan, registering the highest T20 World Cup score in their head-to-head history. Batting first after losing the toss, India reached 175 for 7 in 20 overs, eclipsing all prior records between the Asian giants.
The match began with a jolt when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for zero right at the start. Ishan Kishan, however, turned the tide with a fiery knock of 77 runs from 40 deliveries, laced with 10 boundaries and 3 massive sixes. His 87-run stand with Tilak Varma in 46 balls laid the foundation.
Post-Kishan’s exit, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak added crucial 38 runs. With Tilak making 25, the middle order wobbled at 126 for 4. But Surya (32 off 29) and Shivam Dube (27) countered with a 33-run partnership, while Rinku Singh’s quickfire 11* off 4 balls sealed a challenging total.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, with Saim Ayub leading the fightback via 3/25. Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Usman Tariq picked up a wicket apiece. Historically, this tops India’s 160/6 from 2022 and Pakistan’s 159/8 in the same tournament, as well as the 157/5 from 2007.
India’s aggressive approach has redefined their duels with Pakistan in T20 World Cups. Now, the onus is on Pakistan’s batsmen to chase down 176 and rewrite the script in this pulsating contest.