IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: Pakistan Crumble to 3 Down Early as Bumrah and Hardik Strike in Chase

India and Pakistan produced yet another electrifying World Cup encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, as India posted a competitive 175/7 and then struck early in the run chase to put Pakistan in serious trouble. The atmosphere was tense from the outset, heightened by the absence of the customary warm handshake between captains at the toss. Indian batters combined aggression with calculated risk‑taking to build a formidable total on a slow surface that generally favoured spin.

At the top of the innings, Ishan Kishan was the standout performer for India. The explosive left‑hander smashed a rapid 77, reaching his half‑century in just 27 deliveries. Kishan’s knock was studded with 10 fours and three towering sixes, anchoring the Indian innings and keeping the scoreboard ticking despite disciplined bowling from Pakistan’s spinners. His assault on the bowling allowed India to accelerate through the middle overs.

While Kishan did the bulk of the damage, contributions from the middle order ensured India pushed past the 170‑run mark. The pitch, slow and low, offered assistance to the spinners, but India’s batters adapted well after the initial onslaught. Pakistan’s attack lacked the penetration needed to stifle the flow of runs, leading to a below‑par total in what was expected to be a tighter contest.

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In response, Pakistan stumbled early in their chase, losing three crucial wickets in the powerplay. Hardik Pandya swung the momentum immediately by dismissing Sahibzada Farhan in the first over, a player who had been under the spotlight following a controversial gesture earlier in the tournament. The breakthrough set the tone for the Indian bowlers.

Jasprit Bumrah compounded Pakistan’s difficulties with a devastating second over, removing both Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha to leave the visitors in disarray. Bumrah’s precision and steep bounce proved too much for the Pakistan top order, as India tightened their grip on the game. At 3 down for a modest score, Pakistan’s chase now hangs by a thread.

With India dominating both with bat and ball, the outlook strongly favours the Men in Blue as Pakistan struggle to find rhythm on a challenging surface. Should India maintain their intensity, they will move closer to a pivotal victory in this marquee World Cup fixture.

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