Colombo : India faced a shock early setback against arch-rivals Pakistan in their Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 when young opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck in the very first over, but Ishan Kishan’s counter-attacking innings steadied the ship as India reached 52/1 in the powerplay after six overs.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field, handing the ball to his bowlers under lights in Colombo. In an immediate triumph for the visitors, Agha struck in the first over to send Sharma back without scoring — a blow that silenced the Indian dressing room early.
Yet, all was not lost for India as Ishan Kishan took charge, launching a spirited fightback with powerful strokes through the off-side and over the ropes. At the end of the powerplay, India were 52 for the loss of just one wicket, with Kishan pacing his innings cleverly and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Veteran Indian campaigner Suryakumar Yadav, among India’s key players in the tournament so far, was yet to join Kishan at stumps but remains crucial to India’s middle-order push.
This clash — as expected with the India-Pakistan rivalry — has already seen its share of drama and narrative build-up. Yet, Kishan’s counterpunch has given India a vital platform after an early wobble, setting up an intriguing middle overs phase.
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