Ishan Kishan Masterclass Steers India to Record 175 Against Pakistan
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – In a high-octane encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium, India rewrote the record books by posting their highest-ever total against Pakistan in T20 World Cup history. Riding on a blistering 77 off 40 balls from opener Ishan Kishan, the Men in Blue posted a competitive 175 for 7 on a surface that offered significant assistance to the spin bowlers.
Kishan Dominates After Early Setback
The match began with a tactical masterstroke from Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who won the toss and elected to bowl. Agha opened the bowling with his off-spin, a move that paid immediate dividends. India opener Abhishek Sharma, attempting to assert dominance early, was dismissed in the very first over. Sharma tried to clear the infield but mistimed a lofted stroke, finding Shaheen Shah Afridi at the edge of the circle.
Despite the early blow, Ishan Kishan seized control of the narrative. Joining forces with Tilak Varma, Kishan constructed a pivotal 87-run partnership. While Varma played a supporting role, Kishan launched a counter-attack against Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Afridi, executing a fierce pull shot that set the tone for his innings.
Spinners Neutralized
Kishan displayed exceptional footwork against Pakistan’s spin contingent. He dispatched both Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub for boundaries and was particularly severe on leg-spinner Shadab Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. The southpaw raced to a 27-ball half-century, effectively neutralizing the sluggish nature of the Colombo pitch.
Pakistan’s Mid-Innings Fightback
Just as India seemed poised for a total closer to 200, Pakistan clawed their way back into the contest through Saim Ayub. The part-time spinner triggered a collapse, removing the dangerous Kishan before striking twice in quick succession to dismiss Tilak Varma and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. India’s innings stuttered, sliding from a commanding position to 126 for 4.
Late Flourish from Dube and Yadav
The innings was stabilized by the experienced duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube. Dube, known for his prowess against spin, targeted bowler Usman Tariq in the death overs, finding crucial boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving. A productive final over conceded by Shaheen Afridi yielded 15 runs, propelling India to 175 for 7—a total that sets a new benchmark in this storied rivalry.
Match Statistical Summary
| Metric | India Performance | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 175/7 (20 Overs) | – |
| Top Scorer | 77 (40 balls) | Ishan Kishan |
| Key Partnership | 87 Runs | Ishan Kishan & Tilak Varma |
| Key Wicket-Taker | 3 Wickets (Spell) | Saim Ayub |