Colombo: In a crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India cricket team defeated Pakistan cricket team by 61 runs strengthening their position in the group stage.
Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to field first. Notably the captains of both teams did not shake hands at the toss. India scored 175 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck while wicketkeeper batsman Ishan Kishan starred with 77 runs off 40 balls. Other contributors included Tilak Varma (25) Suryakumar Yadav (32) and Shivam Dube (27).
For Pakistan Saif Ayub took three wickets while Shaheen Shah Afridi Salman Ali Agha and Usman Tariq claimed one wicket each.
Chasing 176 Pakistan struggled being all out for 114 in 18 overs.Their batting lineup included Babar Azam Shadab Khan and Fahim Ashraf among others.
With this win India reinforced their group stage standing while Pakistan will need stronger performances in upcoming matches to stay in contention.

