New Delhi: India delivered a statement performance in the T20 World Cup with a commanding 61 run victory over Pakistan, as captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the triumph to the nation following an all round display.
Batting first on a difficult surface, India posted 175 for seven, a total that proved well above par. The foundation of the innings was laid by Ishan Kishan, whose blistering 77 off 40 balls turned the contest decisively in India’s favour. Walking in early after a wicket fell at the start, Kishan countered the challenging conditions with calculated aggression and smart shot selection.
Traditionally strong on the leg side, Kishan showcased significant improvement through the off side, manipulating the field and forcing Pakistan’s bowlers to adjust their lines. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries consistently ensured India maintained momentum despite the pitch offering grip and uneven bounce. The left hander later reflected that a target in the range of 160 to 170 would have been competitive, making the final total even more satisfying.
Suryakumar praised Kishan’s willingness to take responsibility after the early setback, noting that the innings was both innovative and fearless. He described the team’s total as at least 15 runs above par given the nature of the surface, adding that batting first had been the correct call. The skipper also commended the collective bowling effort that sealed a comfortable win.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted his side fell short in execution, particularly with the spinners, and acknowledged that losing early wickets during the powerplay made the chase difficult. With the defeat, Pakistan now face a must win encounter against Namibia to keep their Super Eight hopes alive.
For India, the victory not only strengthened their campaign but also provided significant momentum in one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.
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