Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium witnessed another chapter in the intense India-Pakistan rivalry as the Men in Blue demolished their arch-rivals by 61 runs on February 15. This result etched India’s name in the record books with eight T20 World Cup victories against Pakistan—the highest by any team against a single foe.
Out of nine T20 World Cup clashes, India has triumphed in eight, one via super over. Pakistan broke through only once in 2021.
Joint second in this elite list are Australia over Bangladesh, Pakistan over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka over West Indies, and West Indies over England.
Electing to bat, India racked up 175/7. Opener Ishan Kishan unleashed havoc, scoring 77 off 40 deliveries with 10 boundaries and three maximums. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav added 25 runs. Pakistan’s reply was woeful; they were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. Usman Khan’s 44 was the highest, with Shaheen Afridi unbeaten on 23.
India’s streak continues with three straight wins, confirming Super-8 qualification following victories over USA (29 runs) and Namibia (93 runs). They face Netherlands on February 18 to cap the group phase.
Defeat drops Pakistan to third in Group A. Having beaten Netherlands and USA but lost to India, they trail USA’s two-from-four record. A win against Namibia on February 18 is now imperative for Super-8 dreams.