The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Mike Hesson press conference: 'Ishan took the game away from us' after India beat Pakistan
Axar Patel press conference: 'We see them as a team, don't see rivalry' after India beat Pakistan
Defending champions India dominated Pakistan with a 61-run victory. Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 set the tone for India's 176. The bowlers then dismantled Pakistan's lineup, restricting them to 114. This win guarantees India's place in the Super Eights. The team displayed strong batting and bowling performances.
India dominated Pakistan in the T20 World Cup clash, securing a convincing victory. Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 powered India to 175, a total their bowlers defended expertly. Despite a brief resistance from Pakistan, India's disciplined bowling attack, led by Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, restricted them to 114, clinching a comfortable win.
India turned the much-hyped India-Pakistan clash into a one-sided affair as Ishan Kishans belligerent 77 blew Pakistan out of the contest. After setting 175, Indias bowlers ran through a hapless Pakistani batting line-up to seal a thumping win and confirm their Super Eight qualification dominantly.
India achieved a record T20 World Cup score against Pakistan, posting 175 for seven. Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 off 40 balls anchored the innings on a tricky Colombo pitch. Despite a mid-innings wobble triggered by Saim Ayub, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube provided crucial support, ensuring India set a new high in this intense rivalry.
Saim Ayub's crucial bowling spell shifted momentum in Pakistan's favor during their T20 World Cup match against India. He dismissed key Indian batsmen Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, followed by a golden duck for Hardik Pandya. Ayub's impressive figures of three wickets for 25 runs in four overs significantly impacted the game's progression.
Kishan recorded the third-fastest fifty in India-Pakistan T20 internationals.
Abhishek Sharma's T20 World Cup struggles persisted as he was dismissed for a duck against Pakistan, caught by the captain himself in the opening over. This follows an earlier duck against the USA, raising concerns about his form. Despite a previous hospitalization, he was included in the playing XI for the crucial match.
The India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup was never truly in doubt, driven by the subcontinents fragile cricket economy and high financial stakes. Pakistans pullout threat lacked substance, while Bangladeshs missteps escalated tensions. Ultimately, economic realities, legal obligations, and survival instincts forced a compromise, restoring focus on the game over political posturing.
India's captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan's skipper Salman Ali Agha skipped the customary handshake at the T20 World Cup toss in Colombo. This continues India's stance, observed since the Asia Cup 2025, sparking debate. While Pakistan expressed openness to the gesture, India's captain remained non-committal, emphasizing a focus on cricket.
USA secured a commanding 31-run victory over Namibia, keeping their Super 8 ambitions alive. Shadley van Schalkwyk's two wickets were crucial as Namibia fell short of the 200-run target. Earlier, half-centuries from Monank Patel and Sanjay Krishnamurthi powered USA to a strong total.
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Former skipper Rohit Sharma's potential presence at the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash in Colombo has sparked fan speculation following his airport sighting. Amidst ongoing political tensions, captains were questioned about handshakes, with Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha suggesting we will see tomorrow. India's Suryakumar Yadav urged focus on the cricket itself.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized India's 'no-handshake' policy against Pakistan, deeming it silly and unbecoming of a major cricketing nation. He urged India to either play in the spirit of the game or avoid matches altogether. India's captain Suryakumar Yadav remained non-committal on the gesture ahead of their T20 World Cup clash.
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India A Women bounced back with a dominant eight-wicket win against Pakistan A Women in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Captain Radha Yadav and a blistering 55 from Dinesh Vrinda powered the chase after spinners restricted Pakistan to 93. This victory propels India A to second in Group A.
Former India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia has backed India as favorites against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash, praising all-rounder Hardik Pandya as one of the best T20 players. Mongia highlighted India's consistent ICC tournament performance but cautioned about Sri Lanka's slow pitches favoring spinners. Both teams have won their opening two matches, with India leading Group A.
India and Pakistan's T20 World Cup encounters have been closely contested, despite India's 7-1 head-to-head record. Recent matches in the 2020s, including the 2021 loss, the thrilling 2022 victory, and the tight 2024 win, highlight decisive moments rather than one-sided dominance.
West Indies became the first team to qualify for the T20 World Cup Super Eights after a dominant nine-wicket win over Nepal. Nepal struggled early and managed 133/8, with Dipendra Singh Airee scoring 58. Jason Holder took 4/27. Shai Hope (61*) and Shimron Hetmyer (46*) chased the target in 15.2 overs. Nepal were eliminated from the tournament.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes the intense focus on spinner Usman Tariq provides a psychological edge over India. Hafeez suggests the debate surrounding Tariq's bowling action is causing panic in the Indian camp, forcing them to specifically prepare for him. He urged Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to use Tariq aggressively to maximize his game-changing potential.
Tens of thousands of Indian and Pakistani fans have converged on Colombo for the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash, turning the city into a fortress with massive security deployment. Beyond politics and critique, the match has energised local livelihoods, packed the stadium to capacity and reaffirmed why this rivalry remains crickets most powerful spectacle.
Harbhajan Singh defended Abhishek Sharma after Mohammad Amir called him a slogger ahead of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Harbhajan said Abhishek is a skilled and determined batsman with a full range of shots, not someone who blindly hits the ball. He criticised critics for judging without facing him and urged Abhishek to prove himself with a big innings for India.
Indias 14-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will skip his CBSE Class 10 board exams due to a busy cricket schedule. Despite completing formalities, his family and school decided he wasnt prepared. The U19 World Cup star has broken multiple records but cant play for Indias senior team yet due to age rules. Once he turns 15 in 2026, a senior debut is expected.
Fans in Kanpur prayed for Indias victory ahead of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo. India and Pakistan have started the tournament strongly, with India dominating past T20 World Cup meetings and having a strong record at the venue. The match is scheduled for Sunday at 7 PM IST, but rain could affect play, with forecasts predicting showers during the day.
Rain threatens the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo, with forecasts predicting heavy showers and storms. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali shocked fans by saying he wants rain. A minimum of five overs per side is needed for a result; otherwise, the match will be abandoned and both teams get one point, likely helping both qualify for the next round.
Hardik Pandyas journey mirrors self-creation rising from obscurity to become Indias white-ball MVP while battling scrutiny, injuries and perception. Backed by mentors like Kieron Pollard, he has turned chaos into control, proving his resilience repeatedly. Beyond the flash lies a cricketer defined by reinvention and an unrelenting will to succeed.
The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo faces a rain threat. Both teams started well, and India has dominated past T20 World Cup meetings. At least five overs per side are needed for a result; otherwise, both teams get one point. A washout would cause major financial losses for broadcasters, organisers, and Sri Lanka Cricket due to lost ads and ticket refunds.
Thirty years after a unique India-Pakistan XI played in Colombo, the arch-rivals are set for a T20 World Cup clash, signalling a subcontinental ceasefire. Despite Pakistan's familiarity with the ground and a slower pitch, both captains downplay any advantage. India prepares to counter mystery spinner Usman Tariq, with Suryakumar Yadav even emulating his action in nets.
The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams started strongly, with India dominating early and Pakistan recovering well. India has historically dominated Pakistan in T20 World Cups and has a strong record at this venue. Rain may affect the game. The match starts at 7 PM IST and will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav copied Pakistan spinner Usman Tariqs unusual bowling action during practice before the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match, and the video went viral. Rain forced India to train indoors in Colombo. Tariqs sidearm action and delayed release have made him a major talking point, despite limited experience. Suryakumar called him an out of syllabus challenge and said India is preparing special methods to counter him.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged the team's batting struggles in the T20 World Cup but expressed confidence in tackling Pakistan's unique spinner, Usman Tariq. Despite a scratchy start and vulnerabilities exposed in earlier matches, Yadav emphasized the team's ability to adapt and execute their practice, aiming to overcome pressure and deliver a strong performance against Pakistan.
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Aiden Markram's explosive 86 powered South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, bringing them closer to the Super 8s. Markram's dominant chase, supported by quick starts and a solid finish from David Miller, saw South Africa comfortably reach their target of 176. This win marks their third consecutive victory in the T20 World Cup.
T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan
After a health scare threatened to derail his World Cup campaign, Abhishek Sharma returns to the spotlight in Colombo. It will be the first time his father Raj Kumar Sharma watches him play a World Cup match from the stands. India will take on Pakistan on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
England's Jos Buttler has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter to score 4,000 T20 International runs, doing so in a record 2,670 balls. This remarkable feat occurred during England's T20 World Cup match against Scotland. Buttler also marked his 150th T20I appearance, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the format.
Captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha remained non-committal on whether India and Pakistan players would shake hands before or after their T20 World Cup clash. Both leaders suggested waiting until match day for a decision, emphasizing their focus on playing good cricket. This follows a history where India did not shake hands with Pakistan in previous encounters.
England secured a vital five-wicket victory against Scotland, keeping their T20 World Cup Super Eights hopes alive. Adil Rashid's crucial middle-overs spell and Tom Banton's unbeaten 63 guided England to the target after a shaky start. This win propels England to second in Group C, setting up a decisive clash.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha hopes India's Abhishek Sharma recovers for their World Cup clash, stating they wish to compete against a full-strength Indian side. India's Suryakumar Yadav responded humorously to the sentiment. Sharma, a top-ranked T20I batter, has a strong record against Pakistan, making his potential return significant for the highly anticipated match.
The BCCI selection committee initiated the captaincy change from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli in 2017. Former selector Jatin Paranjpe revealed Dhoni accepted the decision respectfully. Dhoni assured full support to Kohli, offering his experience. This transition occurred after Dhoni had already achieved significant white-ball success for India.
Ahead of the India-Pakistan blockbuster, the spotlight has shifted from rivalry to scrutiny, with Usman Tariqs bowling action dominating discourse and unsettling both batters and press rooms in Colombo.
T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan
The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash on February 15 will be played on a used surface at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a factor that could significantly influence conditions and strategy in the marquee T20 World Cup encounter.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha confirmed spinner Usman Tariq has been cleared by the ICC, dismissing concerns over his bowling action ahead of the India clash. Agha emphasized Tariq's importance as a rump card and stated the player remains unaffected by the debate.
Cricketer Hardik Pandya celebrated his love for girlfriend Mahieka Sharma with a unique tattoo featuring two leopards, symbolizing their strength and partnership. This meaningful ink, conceptualized with artists, marks a special Valentine's surprise. Pandya also showcased his prowess on the field, delivering a stellar performance against Namibia with both bat and ball, earning him Player of the Match.

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