IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: Pakistan Four Down as Babar Azam Falls in Tough Chase
Pakistan slip to 4 down in 176 chase as Axar Patel dismisses Babar Azam after early blows from Hardik and Bumrah.
In a high-octane T20 World Cup 2026 encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, India set a competitive target of 176 for Pakistan, thanks to a blistering innings from opener Ishan Kishan. Kishan’s 77-run knock, achieved in just 27 balls with 10 fours and three sixes, anchored India’s innings and maintained a strong run rate despite a disciplined Pakistan spin attack on a slow pitch.
Kishan’s aggressive start allowed India’s middle order to capitalize, eventually finishing with 175/7 in 20 overs. Barring Kishan, Pakistan’s bowlers managed to keep most Indian batters in check, but the early carnage at the top left Pakistan with an uphill task in the chase. The tense atmosphere was heightened as captains Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s counterpart did not shake hands at the toss.
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously. Hardik Pandya struck in the very first over to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan, who had courted controversy with a gun gesture against India during the Asia Cup. In the second over, Jasprit Bumrah added two quick wickets, removing Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, leaving Pakistan in early trouble.
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The veteran Babar Azam, widely regarded as Pakistan’s batting linchpin, was soon dismissed by Axar Patel, reducing Pakistan to four down. With their top order decimated, Pakistan struggled to build momentum and find partnerships on a pitch that required careful shot selection and timing.
India’s disciplined bowling and aggressive fielding kept Pakistan on the back foot, forcing them to play under pressure throughout the chase. Every run came hard for the visitors, and the early breakthroughs by Pandya, Bumrah, and Patel significantly tilted the match in India’s favor.
As the game progresses, India holds a commanding position. If the early trend continues, the Men in Blue are poised to secure a crucial victory in this marquee T20 World Cup clash, reinforcing their dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan.
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