India produced a clinical display at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, defeating Pakistan by 61 runs in a performance built on clarity of intent and disciplined execution.
The pitch offered early grip and visible assistance to spinners, making strokeplay difficult. Yet Ishan Kishan stood apart from the conditions. His 77 from 40 deliveries was measured at first, then assertive. He adjusted quickly to the lack of pace in the surface, used depth in the crease, and targeted square boundaries with control rather than force.
An early wicket could have tilted momentum, but Kishan absorbed the pressure and then reversed it. He managed the powerplay intelligently, ensuring India did not fall behind despite tight bowling. His half-century arrived at a tempo that shifted the balance decisively in India’s favour.
Middle Overs Stability and Late Push
Following Kishan’s dismissal, India recalibrated rather than panicked. Suryakumar Yadav added a steady contribution, focusing on rotation and selective aggression. Pakistan tightened their lines during the middle phase, briefly slowing the scoring rate.
However, India’s lower order ensured the innings did not taper away. Calculated boundary hitting in the closing overs lifted the total to 175 — a score that felt substantial given the surface.
Early Strikes Seal Pakistan’s Fate
India’s defence began with immediate control. Hardik Pandya struck early with disciplined lengths, while Jasprit Bumrah combined precision with subtle variation to remove key batters.
Pakistan never established continuity in their chase. Wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any sustained partnership. Usman Khan’s 44 provided resistance, but the mounting required rate and lack of support made recovery unlikely.
India’s spinners controlled the middle overs efficiently before the seamers completed the job with composure.
Conclusion
On a surface that demanded patience and adaptability, India demonstrated both. Kishan’s innings separated the two sides, but the victory was equally shaped by disciplined bowling and controlled fielding. Pakistan struggled to match that balance.
In a high-pressure encounter, India were sharper in execution and clearer in method — and over 40 overs, that difference proved decisive.
