Suryakumar Yadav Hails ‘Fearless’ India After Crushing 61-Run Win Over Pakistan
COLOMBO: India delivered a commanding performance against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, securing a decisive 61-run victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The win, driven by aggressive batting and clinical bowling, cemented India’s position in the group stages and sent a stern warning to competitors in the tournament.
Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue defended a total of 176, bowling Pakistan out for just 114 in 18 overs. Speaking after the match, Yadav emphasized the team’s commitment to a specific playing style.
“I think this is for India,” Yadav said during the post-match presentation. “We played the same brand of cricket we wanted to play. Batting first was the better option on this wicket. Ishan thought something out of the box. After being 0/1, someone had to take responsibility, and the way he took it was amazing.”
Ishan Kishan Leads Batting Counter-Attack
After losing an early wicket, India needed stability and aggression. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan provided both, launching a blistering counter-attack that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor. Kishan smashed 77 off just 40 balls, an innings punctuated by 10 boundaries and three sixes.
Support from the middle order proved vital in navigating the spin-friendly Colombo surface:
- Ishan Kishan: 77 (40)
- Suryakumar Yadav: 32 (Supporting Role)
- Tilak Varma: 25 (Anchor)
- Shivam Dube: 27 (Death overs cameo)
Despite the challenging pitch, India posted a competitive 175/7, with Dube’s late hitting ensuring the bowlers had a substantial total to defend.
Bowlers Dismantle Pakistan’s Chase
Pakistan’s pursuit of 176 never materialized into a threat. The Indian bowling unit, utilizing the conditions effectively, picked up wickets at regular intervals. Hardik Pandya set the tone in the very first over, dismissing opener Sahibzada Farhan for a duck.
Jasprit Bumrah followed up with a lethal spell, removing Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha within the first two overs, leaving Pakistan reeling. While Usman Khan offered brief resistance with a fluent 44, his dismissal via a sharp stumping by Axar Patel triggered a lower-order collapse.
Match Statistics: India vs. Pakistan
| Metric | India | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 175/7 (20 Overs) | 114/10 (18 Overs) |
| Top Scorer | Ishan Kishan (77) | Usman Khan (44) |
| Key Bowler | Varun Chakaravarthy (2 Wickets) | – |
| Result | India won by 61 runs | |
The spin department, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, choked the run flow in the middle overs. Chakaravarthy claimed two late wickets, while Tilak Varma chipped in to remove Shadab Khan. Hardik Pandya returned to seal the game, knocking back Usman Tariq’s middle stump to bundle Pakistan out for 114—their third-lowest total in this tournament format.
Looking Ahead
The victory boosts India’s net run rate and morale as they prepare for the next stage of the competition. Captain Suryakumar Yadav highlighted the collective effort of the bowling unit.
“It was great to see everyone contributing with the ball,” Surya added. “We’ll go back, have a good time together as a team, and then think about the other games when we take the flight to Ahmedabad.”
For official scorecards and future fixtures, visit the ESPN Cricinfo hub.