‘No Panic’: Ishan Kishan Stars as India Crushes Pakistan to Seal Super 8 Spot

COLOMBO: A clinical all-round performance led by wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan powered India to a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on Sunday. The win at the R. Premadasa Stadium maintained India’s unbeaten streak in Group A and secured their progression to the Super 8 stage.

Kishan Credits Calm Mindset for Match-Winning Knock

Named Player of the Match for his fluent 77, Kishan emphasized that the accolades belonged to the collective effort of the team and the fans. Despite the high stakes of an India-Pakistan fixture, the southpaw maintained a balanced approach.

“I think I was just keeping it simple,” Kishan said in a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “Like I said in the press conference earlier, it’s just another game. You have to watch the ball and play your shots, which you believe in. You have to assess the wicket… There was no panic about anything before the match or in between the games.”

Kishan, who struck his second consecutive fifty of the tournament, noted that the job is not yet finished. “I wouldn’t say I’m very satisfied; we need to forget this one and move on to the next game,” he added.

Match Recap: India Overcomes Early Wobble

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl, capitalizing on early movement to dismiss opener Abhishek Sharma for a duck. India found themselves in a precarious position at 126/4 after losing set batters and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (0) in quick succession.

However, Kishan’s aggressive 77 and a composed 25 from Tilak Varma stabilized the innings. Late hitting from skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh ensured India posted a competitive total of 175/7 on a challenging surface. Saim Ayub was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, claiming 3/25.

Pakistan Batting Collapses Under Pressure

Chasing 176, Pakistan’s lineup crumbled against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. The Men in Green were reduced to a reeling 34/4 inside the powerplay, with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Axar Patel making early inroads.

Usman Khan offered the only resistance, scoring a brisk 44 off 34 balls, but lacked support from the other end. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. Behind the stumps, Kishan contributed with a sharp stumping to remove the dangerous Usman Khan, effectively ending Pakistan’s counter-attack.

Match Statistics

Group A Standings and Road Ahead

The victory solidifies India’s position at the top of Group A with three wins from three matches. The United States holds second place with a balanced record, while Pakistan sits in third, facing a difficult path to qualification. This result extends India’s dominant head-to-head record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups to eight wins and one loss.

For detailed statistics and player rankings, visit the official ICC website.