Colombo, Sri Lanka – A spirited bowling performance from India, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, has put Pakistan under immediate pressure in Match 27 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan will require an exceptional batting effort to chase down India’s total of 175/7, set at the R Premadasa Stadium. Early wickets have significantly hampered Pakistan’s start, leaving their middle order with a substantial task.
India’s innings was largely built around a commanding 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan, who dominated the powerplay, contributing 42 of the 52 runs scored in the first six overs. His aggressive strokeplay set the foundation for a competitive total, though the scoring rate slowed after his dismissal. The match is taking place on a pitch that is already showing a clear preference for spin bowling, a factor that could heavily influence the remainder of the contest.
The Indian innings saw contributions from Tilak Varma (25) and Suryakumar Yadav (32), while a late flourish from Rinku Singh helped push the total to 175/7. However, it was Saim Ayub who proved to be a key bowler for Pakistan, claiming the crucial wickets of Kishan, Varma, and Pandya.
This match is particularly notable for the amount of spin employed, with a record-equalling 18 overs of spin bowled in the innings – matching Pakistan vs Australia in Colombo in 2012. The prevalence of spin bowlers – Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel for India, and Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan for Pakistan – highlights the conditions at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Ishan Kishan Anchors Indian Innings
Ishan Kishan’s 77 off 40 balls was the cornerstone of India’s batting performance. He struck 10 fours and 3 sixes, achieving a strike rate of 192.5. His aggressive intent from the outset put the Pakistani bowlers under pressure and allowed India to establish a strong platform. The opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma, though brief, laid the groundwork for Kishan to accelerate.
However, after Kishan’s dismissal, the Indian middle order struggled to maintain the momentum. Saim Ayub’s bowling proved particularly effective, dismissing both Tilak Varma and the dangerous Hardik Pandya in quick succession. Shivam Dube (27) and Suryakumar Yadav (32) attempted to rebuild the innings, but Pakistan’s bowlers applied consistent pressure.
Pakistan Stumble in Reply
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets within the first two overs. Bumrah and Pandya were instrumental in dismantling the top order, leaving Pakistan reeling at a precarious position. The early wickets of key batsmen have significantly increased the pressure on the remaining Pakistani lineup.
The Indian bowling attack, boasting a variety of pace and spin options, exploited the conditions effectively. The R Premadasa Stadium pitch is clearly favoring spin, and the Indian spinners – Chakravarthy, Yadav, and Patel – will look to capitalize on this advantage as the innings progresses.
Key Match Statistics
| Player | R | B | M | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan † | 77 | 40 | 41 | 10 | 3 | 192.5 |
| Tilak Varma | 25 | 24 | 68 | 2 | 1 | 104.16 |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | 32 | 29 | 50 | 3 | 0 | 110.34 |
The live telecast of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is available on the Star Sports Network in India, while live streaming is being offered through the JioHotstar app and website. Fans across the country are keenly following the action as these two cricketing giants clash in a highly anticipated encounter.
As Pakistan attempts to recover from a shaky start, the onus will be on their experienced middle order to build a partnership and chase down the target. The Indian bowlers, however, will be looking to exploit the favorable conditions and maintain their grip on the match. The outcome of this contest will undoubtedly have significant implications for both teams’ chances in the tournament.
What unfolds in the coming overs will be crucial. Will Pakistan’s middle order be able to withstand the Indian attack and mount a successful chase? Or will India’s bowlers continue to dominate and secure a vital victory? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.