No Handshakes Exchanged as India Crushes Pakistan by 61 Runs in Colombo
COLOMBO — The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan took a sharp turn on Sunday during the T20 World Cup clash in Colombo. Following India’s dominant 61-run victory, players from both sides exited the field without the customary exchange of handshakes, signaling a continuation of the diplomatic frost that began during the Asia Cup last September.
The post-match atmosphere overshadowed a clinical performance by the Men in Blue, driven by Ishan Kishan’s aggressive 77 and a disciplined bowling effort that dismantled the Pakistan lineup for 114.
Diplomatic Frost overshadows Sporting Contest
Tensions were palpable even before the first ball was bowled. On the eve of the match, Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav hinted at the escalating friction. “I will break the suspense tomorrow. Wait for 24 hours,” Yadav stated to the press. The implication became clear immediately after the final wicket fell: no pleasantries were exchanged.
This incident mirrors the standoff witnessed during the Asia Cup in Dubai, reinforcing the widening gap between the two cricketing neighbors. While the cricket remained high-quality, the lack of sportsmanship at the close of play remains the primary talking point.
Ishan Kishan Counter-Attacks on Tacky Surface
After being sent in to bat on a sticky Colombo surface, India posted a competitive 175 for 7. The innings began shakily when Abhishek Sharma holed out to Shaheen Shah Afridi off spinner Salman Ali Agha in the first over.
Ishan Kishan, however, shifted the momentum. The left-hander launched a counter-offensive, pulling Afridi for six and targeting spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan. Kishan raced to a 27-ball half-century, eventually falling for 77 off 40 balls while attempting to carve Saim Ayub over mid-wicket.
India Batting Scorecard Summary
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | 77 | 40 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 32 | 28 |
| Shivam Dube | 27 | 17 |
| Tilak Varma | 11 | (Dismissed) |
Pakistan’s Saim Ayub (3/25) triggered a middle-order wobble, removing Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya in successive deliveries, reducing India to 126 for 4. However, late hitting from Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh against Afridi in the final over ensured India reached a defendable total.
Bowling Unit Dismantles Pakistan Chase
Pakistan’s pursuit of 176 never gained traction. Hardik Pandya struck in the opening over, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah then delivered a decisive double blow, removing openers Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, leaving Pakistan reeling at 13 for 3.
While Usman Khan offered brief resistance with a top score of 44 off 34 balls, and shared a 39-run stand with Shadab Khan, the Indian spinners tightened the screws. Axar Patel bowled captain Babar Azam and later removed Usman, breaking the backbone of the chase.
Key Bowling Figures (India)
- Varun Chakravarthy: 2 wickets (16th over strike)
- Hardik Pandya: 2 wickets (Opened and closed the innings)
- Jasprit Bumrah: 2 wickets (Early breakthrough)
- Axar Patel: 2 wickets
Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 114 in the 18th over, handing India a comprehensive 61-run win and two crucial points in the tournament standings.
For official tournament standings and fixtures, visit the International Cricket Council (ICC) or follow updates via the BCCI official website.