COLOMBO: Defending champions India cruised into the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup after thrashing Pakistan by 61 runs in a heated Group A clash on Sunday.
The much-hyped encounter between the bitter neighbours proved one-sided as India extended their dominant record against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup to 8-1, maintaining their unbeaten run with another emphatic display.
Opener Ishan Kishan led the charge with a blistering 77, powering India to 175-7 at the R Premadasa Stadium against a Pakistan attack that leaned heavily on spin, delivering 18 of the 20 overs.
India’s bowlers then bundled Pakistan out for 114 in 18 overs to seal their third straight victory.“India versus Pakistan is a special game for us and our country. It is very important,” said Kishan, who was named player of the match.
“They had good spinners and we tried to play our shots. It gives us confidence going ahead in the tournament.”
The match went ahead after Pakistan earlier reversed a decision to boycott the fixture in solidarity with Bangladesh. Pakistan captain Salman Agha and his Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands at the toss.
