NEW DELHI: India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs to secure a place in the Super 8s stage of the T20 World Cup on Sunday. Ishan Kishan starred with a brilliant 77, helping India reach 175/7, before the bowlers dismissed Pakistan for just 114 in 18 overs.
After qualifying, India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his team and said, "I think this is for India," adding, "Batting first was (the) better option on this wicket."
He also praised Kishan’s knock, saying, "Ishan thought outside the box. After we were 0-1, someone had to take responsibility and the way he took it was amazing."
With the win, India have qualified for the Super 8s.
Their schedule in the next round includes matches against South Africa, one of Zimbabwe or Australia, and West Indies, as they continue their title defence.
India's matches in Super 8s of T20 World Cup 2026- IND vs SA (Feb 22, Ahmedabad)
- IND vs ZIM/AUS (Feb 26, Chennai)
- IND vs WI (Mar 1, Kolkata)
However, before beginning their journey in the Super 8s, Team India will play against Netherlands in their final group-stage game on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s chase fell apart quickly. They lost three wickets in the first two overs, including captain Salman Agha and opener Sahibzada Farhan.
When
Babar Azam was bowled for five, Pakistan were in deep trouble. Usman Khan tried to fight back with 44, but once he was stumped, the rest of the batting collapsed.
Earlier in the match, the two captains again avoided shaking hands at the toss, continuing a pattern seen in the Asia Cup last year.
Kishan played fearlessly, scoring his fifty in just 27 balls and attacking the bowlers all around the ground. His innings gave India a strong base, and the bowlers made sure Pakistan never came close in the chase.
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