Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson defended his team’s tactical decisions following their heavy defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, insisting that the result was driven more by individual brilliance than by flawed planning. India registered a commanding 61-run victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday to secure qualification for the Super Eight stage.

Despite Pakistan fielding a spin-heavy attack, the strategy failed to contain Indian opener Ishan Kishan, who struck a fluent 77 off 40 balls. His innings, featuring 10 boundaries and three sixes on a turning surface, propelled India to 176. Pakistan’s chase never gathered momentum, and they were eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.

Speaking after the match, Hesson rejected the notion that the toss or pitch conditions dictated the outcome. He acknowledged that India’s total was well above par but stressed that Pakistan’s inability to adjust with the bat proved costly. “The way Ishan Kishan played took the game away from us,” he said, adding that the focus should remain on performance rather than “emotive accountability”.

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Questions were also raised about Pakistan captain Salman Agha opting to bowl first despite previous matches in Colombo favouring teams batting first. Hesson, however, maintained the call was justified, noting that the pitch actually became easier for batting in the second innings as the ball skidded more than expected.

Another point of scrutiny was the late introduction of spinner Usman Tariq, who was brought into the attack only in the 11th over. Hesson admitted the move could be debated but defended the team’s reliance on Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan immediately after the powerplay, citing their success in previous matches.

Pakistan now faces a must-win clash against the Namibia national cricket team later this week to keep their Super Eight hopes alive. Another defeat would put the defending champions at serious risk of an early exit from the tournament.

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