The events that unfolded at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium on Sunday came as a massive shock to Pakistan cricket. In a crushing performance, Pakistan lost to arch-rivals India by a significant margin of 61 runs. Historically, this stands as Pakistan’s largest margin of defeat against India in the T20 World Cup in terms of runs. With this emphatic victory, India secured the top spot in Group ‘A’ and booked their place in the Super Eight. Conversely, this dismal performance has sparked outrage among former Pakistani stars, who have lashed out at the team’s senior cricketers.
Ishan’s Dominance and Pakistan’s Baffling Strategy
Initially, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field. In a surprise move, Captain Salman Agha opened the bowling himself, dismissing India’s dangerous batter Abhishek Sharma for a duck. However, that joy was short-lived. Ishan Kishan stepped up to the crease and single-handedly turned the tide of the match. He played a destructive innings, scoring 77 runs off just 40 balls. Furthermore, he forged a crucial 87-run partnership for the third wicket with Tilak Varma. Notably, Ishan reached his fifty in a mere 27 balls, marking the fastest half-century in an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter.
Strategically, Pakistan’s bowling approach appeared quite baffling. Premier pacer Shaheen Afridi bowled only two overs, conceding an expensive 31 runs. To exploit the pitch conditions, Pakistan utilized a record six spinners in a single innings. Although Saim Ayub claimed three wickets, he could not prevent India from posting a formidable total of 175/7. Additionally, contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (32) and a late cameo by Shivam Dube (27) helped boost India’s score significantly.
Batting Collapse and Indian Bowling Dominance
Chasing a target of 176, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled like a house of cards. Facing the fiery attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, they were effectively knocked out of the contest early, losing three wickets for just 13 runs within the first three overs. Senior batter Babar Azam scored a meager 5 runs before being dismissed playing a reckless shot. While Usman Khan (44) offered some resistance, it only served to reduce the margin of defeat. Ultimately, Pakistan was bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. For India, the bowling effort was a collective one, with Bumrah, Pandya, Axar, and Varun Chakravarthy each claiming two wickets.
Outrage from Legends and Demands for Removal
Following such a humiliating defeat, former Pakistani cricketers could no longer remain silent. Prominent figures like Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi, and Ahmed Shehzad have vocally demanded the exclusion of three senior players—Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan—from the playing XI.
On the social media platform X, Mohammad Yousuf wrote, “Time is up for Babar, Shaheen, and Shadab. They fail against big teams. It is now time to give opportunities to newcomers.” Echoing this sentiment, Shahid Afridi suggested benching the seniors for the final group match against Namibia to give young players a chance to build confidence. Similarly, Ahmed Shehzad remarked that Babar Azam might have lost his final opportunity to prove his worth in the T20 format.
A Tough Equation Ahead
Looking ahead, the final group match against Namibia on February 18 has become a do-or-die battle for Pakistan. To qualify for the Super Eight, Salman Agha’s team must win this match; otherwise, they will face an early exit from the World Cup.
Brief Score:
- India: 175/7 (20 overs) – Ishan 77, Suryakumar 32; Saim 3/25.
- Pakistan: 114 (18 overs) – Usman 44, Shaheen 23*; Bumrah 2/17, Pandya 2/16.
- Result: India won by 61 runs.
- Player of the Match: Ishan Kishan.