India Crushes Pakistan by 61 Runs in Colombo, Extending 16‑1 World Cup Dominance
Updated (3 articles)
India Secures 61‑Run Victory Over Pakistan in Colombo India beat Pakistan by 61 runs in the Group A match of the 2026 T20 World Cup at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, 15 February 2026, reinforcing a perfect 8‑0 ODI World Cup record and an 8‑1 T20 record against the side [1][2]. Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 77 from 40 balls anchored India’s total, providing the decisive momentum for the win [2]. The margin marked the latest addition to India’s 16‑1 combined World Cup superiority over Pakistan [1].
Indian Bowlers Restrict Pakistan’s Attack, Chakaravarthy Leads Spinners headed by Varun Chakaravarthy claimed six wickets for 80 runs, while pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya combined for four wickets for 33 runs, curbing Pakistan’s chase [1]. Pakistan’s own spinners proved expensive, and Shaheen Afridi bowled only two costly overs before being withdrawn [1]. The bowling performance highlighted the depth of India’s attack compared with Pakistan’s struggling lineup [1].
Handshaking Protocol Remains Unresolved Amid Security Concerns The no‑handshake rule stems from the 22 April 2022 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, prompting cricket boards to ban post‑match handshakes [1]. Before the Colombo fixture, India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha evaded direct answers about a handshake, promising clarification “tomorrow” and “in 24 hours” respectively [1]. Match referee Richie Richardson oversaw the game under the continued protocol, leaving the issue unsettled [1].
Historical Head‑to‑Head Highlights Growing Quality Gap India’s World Cup head‑to‑head with Pakistan stands at 8‑0 in ODIs and 8‑1 in T20s, a combined 16‑1 advantage that underscores a widening performance gulf [1]. The article argues that the rivalry now lives chiefly in media narratives and social‑media discourse rather than on‑field tension [1].
Sources
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1.
The Hindu: India’s 61‑run win over Pakistan underscores a lopsided rivalry – Provides a detailed match analysis, historical head‑to‑head statistics, handshake‑ban background, and commentary on the rivalry’s shift to media focus.
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2.
The Hindu: India Defeats Pakistan by 61 Runs as Ishan Kishan Scores 77 in T20 World Cup 2026 – Highlights the match result, Kishan’s explosive innings, and venue specifics, focusing on the immediate sporting outcome.
Timeline
April 22, 2022 – A terrorist attack in Pahalgam kills 26 tourists, prompting the International Cricket Council and the two boards to institute a no‑handshake protocol for India‑Pakistan matches, a rule that remains in force through 2026 [1].
September 2022 – During the Dubai Asia Cup, India’s Suryakumar Yadav follows the new protocol by refusing to shake Pakistan captain Salman Agha’s hand, publicly demonstrating the lasting impact of the 2022 security‑driven ban [1].
September 2025 – India’s senior men’s side sweeps Pakistan 3‑0 in the T20 Asia Cup, reinforcing a recent trend of one‑sided contests and setting the stage for further youth‑level clashes [3].
December 20, 2025 – In the Under‑19 Asia Cup in Dubai, India tops Group A, defeats Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the semifinal, and secures a place in the final against Pakistan on December 21; Pakistan reaches the final after a 90‑run group‑stage loss to India and a win over defending champions Bangladesh [3].
December 21, 2025 – The Under‑19 Asia Cup final is scheduled in Dubai, pitting India against Pakistan in a high‑stakes youth showdown that will test whether the senior‑level dominance translates to the junior ranks [3].
February 15, 2026 – India beats Pakistan by 61 runs at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium in the T20 World Cup, with Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 77 off 40 balls anchoring the innings and Varun Chakaravarthy taking six wickets for 80 runs [2].
February 16, 2026 – Before the Colombo match, both captains dodge handshake questions; Yadav replies “Wait for 24 hours and you will find out,” while Agha says “You will know tomorrow,” leaving the protocol dispute unresolved and under the oversight of referee Richie Richardson [1].
February 16, 2026 – Analysts note that India’s batting depth and bowling firepower outclass Pakistan’s attack: Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77, spinners led by Chakaravarthy, and pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya restrict Pakistan, whose spinners concede heavily and Shaheen Afridi bowls only two expensive overs [1].
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- https://t.co/KnKBflF2Dn (cited 1 times)
- https://t.co/pk4Sdp0XKQ (cited 1 times)
- https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw (cited 1 times)