Colombo: Pakistan scripted a unique chapter in T20 World Cup history but ended up on the losing side as India cruised to a commanding 61-run victory at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
In the high-stakes clash, the Pakistan national cricket team deployed an unprecedented six spinners and bowled 18 of the 20 overs through spin — both records in a Men’s T20 World Cup innings. However, the bold tactical move could not prevent defeat as Pakistan were bundled out for 114 while chasing 176 against the India national cricket team.
After winning the toss, captain Salman Ali Agha surprised many by opening the bowling himself on a sluggish surface. When pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi conceded 15 runs in his over, Pakistan swiftly shifted to spin from both ends.
Saim Ayub struck as first change and finished with an impressive 3/25, while leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan applied sustained pressure. Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq completed the spin-heavy attack, making Pakistan the first team in men’s T20 World Cup history to use six spinners in a single innings.
The 18 overs of spin equalled Pakistan’s own record set against Australia at the same venue during the 2012 edition — a match they had won. This time, though, the gamble fell short.
India overcame the turning track to post 175/7, their highest total against Pakistan in T20 World Cup history. Ishan Kishan led the charge with a scintillating 40-ball 77, countering the slow surface with aggressive strokeplay.
In response, Pakistan’s chase faltered early and never regained momentum. India, too, leaned heavily on spin, deploying five slow bowlers to tighten the screws. Vice-captain Axar Patel returned 2/29, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy claimed 2/17, and Kuldeep Yadav picked up 1/14 as Pakistan were bowled out for 114.
Remarkably, a total of 11 spinners were used in the match — the most in a Men’s T20 World Cup fixture — underlining how dramatically the Colombo pitch dictated strategy.
Pakistan may have set a new benchmark for spin usage, but it was India who emerged triumphant, sealing a comprehensive 61-run win in a contest defined by slow bowling.
Source: Wisden, The Hindu, WION, The Indian Express
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