Brief Scores: World Cup T20, IND vs PAK: India (175/7) beat Pakistan (114 all out in 18 overs) by 61 runs in a Group A match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. IND vs PAK: Complete Score | Highlighting
Broken hearts and broken TVs defined the mood in Pakistan after their humiliating defeat to India in the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 clash in Colombo on Sunday. Pakistan slumped to 61 runss – their heaviest defeat to India in T20I history – after a lackluster performance at the R Premadasa Stadium. Defending champions India outplayed their arch-rivals across all three departments, powered by a special innings from Ishan Kishan and a clinical, all-round bowling performance.
Shortly after the match, a video of a Pakistani fan smashing his TV set at home went viral. “India beat Pakistan again and I smashed my TV in frustration,” wrote a self-deprecating fan on social media as he shared footage of himself punching the TV.
“Totally heartbroken, embarrassed and in shock – can’t even speak,” a fan added in another post alongside a series of hyper-animated reaction videos on Facebook.
A similarly grim picture was painted by the reactions of the fans coming out of the R Premadasa Stadium.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Maqbool, a Pakistan supporter, looked visibly exhausted after the heavy defeat.
“I think it has become a routine thing now. I was kind of hoping that we would win the match and at least challenge. But it is like a routine thing. We don’t have answers for Bumrah. We can’t counter Hardik. This is the same situation. Well played team India, as always,” he said.
“If this kind of performance continues, then we cannot beat India. The Indian team is very good. Their homework is really good.
“Usually I find positives in everything. But today I’m heartbroken. It’s a very poor performance.
“We have dominated for several decades. But in the last 20-25 years, India is on top. Well played, India.”
PAKISTAN 1-8 INDIA
The preparation for the competition was dramatic. Pakistan even threatened a boycott before reversing its stance a week ago. Despite their recent struggles against India, they went into the match with some confidence having won both their group stage matches in Colombo. They also had an advantage in terms of familiarity with the conditions, while India had just one practice session after arriving in the Sri Lankan capital on Friday.
However, once the action started, these factors proved irrelevant as India performed with authority and precision.
Ishan Kishan has a breathtaking 77 off just 40 deliveries proved decisive on the slow Premadasa surface, lifting India to an impressive 175 for seven after being put in to bat. On a pitch where smooth stroke play was far from easy, his innings mixed fearless intent with calculated execution and stood out as one of the most impressive T20I knocks by an Indian batsman in challenging conditions.
Pakistan’s chase never gained steam. Jasprit Bumrah (2/17) and Hardik Pandya (2/16) struck early and decisively, removing Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Ali Agha in quick succession. These early setbacks immediately put Pakistan on the back foot, draining any lingering tension from the match. The win also extended India’s dominant head-to-head record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups to 8-1.
Pakistan’s innings quickly crumbled. Reduced to 13 for three, they ran into further trouble when Babar Azam tried to sweep Axar Patel with the buckle, only to see his stumps dismantled. At 34 for four, the chase was already out of their reach.
The power play comparison highlighted the gulf between the two sides. India surged to 52 for one, laying a solid platform, while Pakistan could only manage 38 for four, leaving them with a steep climb ahead. The gap steadily widened as the shift progressed.
Any lingering hopes of a fightback were snuffed out in the middle overs where the Indian spinners asserted complete control. Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Tilak Varma and Varun Chakravarthy operated with discipline and precision, striking at regular intervals and tightening the noose, eventually bowling Pakistan out for 114 to seal a comprehensive victory.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
February 15, 2026