Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan coach Mike Hesson after India’s massive 61-run win in their T20 World Cup 2026 group match in Colombo. It was the one-sided clash in Colombo, where India completely outplayed their rivals.

Pakistan had won the toss but decided to bowl first, and Srikkanth felt this decision cost them the match even before India’s fireworks ended in Colombo. The former Indian chief selector has pointed out that batting first and putting runs on the board on the pitch like Colombo was always the better option.

Kris Srikkanth slams Mike Hesson’s strategy against India

He said that Pakistan made life easy for India by inviting them to bat first. India’s former World Cup winner also questioned Mike Hesson’s strategy. He pointed out that even during his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, they never won the cup. Srikkanth felt the situation is the same with Pakistan, who are now struggling badly in a crunch situation.

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Read Also: Ravichandran Ashwin uneasy about India vs Pakistan final in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka’: “It was a golden opportunity after winning the toss, but they chose to bowl first. Mike Hesson as a coach was there at RCB for a long time and did not do anything there as well. Everyone knows that on a wicket like this, if you bat first and score 160-170, you can win the game. They gave us the game on a plate, saying, “Take this, India. Thank you very much.”

Ishan Kishan’s explosive knock changes game

India posted a strong total of 175 for 7 on the board in their 20 overs after being sent in to bat. The star of the night was Ishan Kishan, who smashed 77 runs off just 40 balls. His innings included 10 fours and 3 sixes, and runs came at a remarkable strike rate of 200.

The former Indian chief selector noted that Ishan’s knock put Pakistan under huge pressure. Then there was one over where he attacked Shadab Khan and scored many runs. After that, the match almost finished because India had full control.

He praised Ishan for playing smart cricket and said his journey has been impressive. Just four months ago, Ishan was not even close to the Indian team. But after scoring runs in domestic cricket, he got another chance. He came in as a replacement for players like Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson. Now, he is batting with great consistency and proving himself in big matches.

Read Also: Mike Hesson to be sacked? Pakistan head coach under fire for shocking toss decision vs India

Hats off to this boy: Srikkanth on Ishan

Srikkanth said, “The difference in this game was just five overs: when Ishan scored 38 runs in three overs and then the one over where he hit Shadab Khan, the match was done there.” He hailed Isha for playing “very intelligent cricket,” saying, “Hats off to this boy.” He also lauded his journey, where he made a stunning comeback in the national side after domestic cricket heroics.

Srikkanth slams Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy against India

He added that if Pakistan had batted first and scored around 150 or 160, they could have at least made the contest interesting. The former India captain even questioned the overall quality of Pakistan’s batting and bowling, saying the team looked weak in all departments.

Srikkanth signed off by saying, “Even a kid will tell you that you should have batted first after winning the toss on this wicket. You have been playing here; you know the boundaries. It was ridiculous captaincy. There is something wrong with their entire system. If you come or do not come, it is the same. USA has got a better batting lineup.”

A major blow for the Sri Lanka national cricket team as one of their key pacers walked out from the Pallekele International Cricket Ground on February 16 after sustaining an injury. The limping Matheesha Pathirana must have caused worries among the Sri Lankan cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans.

After securing two back-to-back victories, Sri Lanka is currently up against Australia. Matheesha Pathirana was named for the match for conducting an effective pace bowling attack.

Matheesha Pathirana received a hamstring injury

Sri Lanka’s blueprint took a scratch as soon as the pacer grabbed his left leg in pain and fell on the ground. Physios quickly rushed to the spot to take care of Pathirana. According to media reports, the Sri Lankan pacer suffered a hamstring injury. He got the knock after pitching the fourth ball of his opening spell.

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He needed assistance to walk off the ground. This can be a major setback for the team, as the seamer is among the top talents in the national setup. To replace the injured Matheesha Pathirana, Dasun Shanaka stepped onto the field and completed the over.

Pathirana was in decent form in the tournament

Cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the pacer’s injury update. His absence can provide discomfort not only for the Sri Lanka cricket team but also for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, KKR roped in the Lankan bowler from the mini auction for a whopping price tag of INR 18 crore.

Pathirana is in decent rhythm from the beginning of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Against Ireland he bagged a couple of scalps, though he remained wicketless against Oman. Before the 2026 T20 World Cup, when the island nation engaged with England for the T20I series, he succeeded in a regular manner. The Sri Lankan quick took 5 wickets in 3 matches against England.

Australia openers smashed half-centuries

In the absence of Matheesha Pathirana, Australia went off to a flying start. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, both of their openers, slammed a half-century each. Skipper Marsh returned for 54 off 27, and Head registered a 56-run knock against 19 deliveries. For the opening stand, they secured 104 runs. Together they smashed a total of twenty boundaries, including fifteen 4s and five 6s.

The co-hosts of the tournament dragged themselves back into the contest as soon as the openers departed. The middle-order batters of Australia—Cameron Green and Tim David—failed to protect their wickets. Green went for 3; David went for only 6 runs. Dushan Hemantha, the right-arm leg spinner, looked effective against the Australian batting lineup.

Read More: ‘Benjamin Manenti take a bow’, social media flooded as Italy put on great fight against England

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif exposed Shoaib Akhtar during a live conversation. Kaif said that by criticizing the Pakistan cricket team, the former Pakistan pacer was actually trying to take away Team India’s excellence, which they showed by defeating the arch rivals in Colombo on February 15.

On Sunday, India got a commanding win over Pakistan. The defending champions sealed the match with a 61-run win. Several former cricketers criticized the Pakistan cricket team brutally for showing a below-par performance in such a high-profile match.

Shoaib Akhter dropped bombshell on Pakistan Cricket Board

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhter held an all-out attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board, especially on Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the board. Right after the India vs Pakistan match, Akhter said via ABP News that the person who is currently at the top of Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem knows nothing about the game.

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“One guy who does not know anything has become the Pakistan Cricket Board’s chairman. What can you do? How will the team run?” he said.

Mohammad Kaif not happy what Akhter said

Though, the statements from Akhter did not make Mohammad Kaif happy, as the former Pakistani cricketer did not mention anything encouraging about Indian cricket. Kaif believes that if Pakistan had won the match, then Shoaib Akhter might have issued some statements against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“Ever since we started the show, I’ve not been happy, because you have been saying the Pakistan team is weak anyway and is an unenergetic team. “If that team had won today, then 100% Shoaib Akhtar would be saying right now that BCCI is prideful, that the players had too much ego,” Kaif said while speaking with ABP News.

Mohammad Kaif wanted to show that Shoaib Akhter said it only about Pakistan, not a point about Indian cricket. Kaif’s comments are valid, as every match result carries two aspects—one related to the winning side and the other one related to the losing side. Akhter chose to say only about the latter.

“I want to say that by showing Pakistan as weak, you are taking away India’s excellence. You have just been showing that Pakistan is in trouble, that there’s no system, but what does that matter for India?” Mohammad Kaif raised the question.

Mohammad Kaif praised Ishan Kishan as well

The ex-India cricketer also praised Ishan Kishan for his brilliant 77-run knock, as he had to sustain an immense amount of pressure.

“Ishan Kishan, who has played against Pakistan for the first time—how much pressure he must have on him; we aren’t talking about that. Give India’s players the credit because they are playing in a circumstance where, imagine if they lost, then it would have been an outcry,” he added.

Supported by Ishan Kishan’s 77 off 40, India secured 175 in 20 overs, which was a good total considering the nature of the pitch. In reply, Pakistan managed to score only 114 runs before losing their last wicket in the last ball of the 18th over.

Read More: Mike Hesson to be sacked? Pakistan head coach under fire for shocking toss decision vs India

The defeat against Sri Lanka dragged Australia in front of the exit door of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Australia started the match well but could not carry the momentum, which eventually gifted them the second defeat in the campaign.

After the match, it was devastating Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh who said that their chances of survival in the race are completely in the laps of the almighty.

Australia out on a challenging effort vs Sri Lanka

Australia went to bat first at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and registered 181 in 20 overs. 181 was not a paltry total, but it was Pathum Nissanka, who claimed an unbeaten century, and the top-order Sri Lankan batters who made it easy to claim.

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Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, the openers of Australia, started off the innings on a positive note. Both of the batters scored a half-century each to add 104 runs for the opening stand.

The way Australia went off, a total over 200 was looking not too far away. As the innings progressed, Sri Lankan bowlers balanced the momentum. Dushan Hemantha took 3, and a brace for Dushmantha Chameera.

Pathum Nissanka’s sublime ton has put Australia on the brink of #T20WorldCup elimination.

Full report: https://t.co/X32rXkliNC pic.twitter.com/Swhxt3gWB9

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 16, 2026

Mitchell Marsh explained why they lost the match

Mitchell Marsh pointed out they might have fallen short by some more runs. He credited the Sri Lankan bowlers.

“I thought it was a competitive total. We probably left ourselves a few short after the start we had. Well played to SL; they outplayed us tonight. We know that at our best we can make big scores. We just lost our way towards the back end. SL bowled really well towards the back end,” Mitchell Marsh said.

Marsh was running out of words as they were standing in front of an unexpected situation. Before the tournament, they were considered a top contender to play the semifinals. In reality, the Australia cricket team can suffer a humiliating exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“We knew we were a few short. Not much else to say except that SL outplayed us. We’re in the lap of the gods now, I think. There are a lot of emotions in the room right now. Haven’t been at our best. Disappointed bunch at the moment,” Mitchell Marsh said in pure disappointment.

Points distribution in Group B

The Aussies are currently at the third spot on the points table of Group B with 2 points in 3 matches. They suffered a stunning loss against Zimbabwe as well. Sri Lanka, with 3 wins in 3 matches, remains on top of the ladder as an undefeated troop in the group stage.

Zimbabwe is placed in the second spot with 4 points. The upcoming match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on February 19 will decide the future of the Australia cricket team.

Read More: Watch: Pathum Nissanka takes a stunner to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in SL vs AUS T20 WC match

Sri Lanka produced a dramatic fightback against Australia in their T20 World Cup 2026 encounter, but it was Pathum Nissanka’s jaw-dropping catch that stole the spotlight. The stunning effort in the 17th over not only dismissed Glenn Maxwell but also symbolised Sri Lanka’s remarkable turnaround after a brutal Australian start. With Australia eyeing a total well beyond 200, Nissanka’s athletic brilliance shifted the momentum decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Pathum Nissanka took a blinder to remove Glenn Maxwell

The moment arrived on the very first ball of the 17th over. Dushan Hemantha tossed one up outside off, tempting Maxwell into unleashing his trademark reverse sweep. Maxwell struck it flat and hard towards backward point, and for a split second it looked destined to race to the boundary.

But Nissanka had other ideas. Stationed at backward point, the Sri Lankan opener timed his leap to perfection, stretching high over his head to grab the ball cleanly. Despite losing balance and falling to the turf, he showed incredible composure to maintain control as he hit the ground.

It was redemption in style. Earlier in the innings, Nissanka had put down a simpler chance. This time, however, he held onto one of the toughest opportunities of the night — and Maxwell’s departure proved to be a massive turning point.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Will Jacks and Sam Curran shine in England’s dramatic win against Italy

Australia’s innings of two contrasting halves

The opening assault led by Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head left Sri Lanka scrambling early on. The duo powered their side to 70 runs in the powerplay and stitched together a fluent 100-run partnership. At 100 in just 8.2 overs, a mammoth total of 220–240 seemed well within reach.

Head smashed 56, playing with trademark aggression, while Marsh contributed a commanding 54. Their clean striking had Australia cruising at 110/2 after 10 overs. But the tide turned dramatically in the second half. Once Head departed, Australia lost direction. Marsh followed soon after, and the middle order faltered under increasing pressure from Sri Lanka’s spinners. From a commanding position, Australia slipped alarmingly, losing four wickets for just 26 runs.

Maxwell and Josh Inglis attempted to stabilise the innings, but the tempo had dipped significantly. Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened their lines, varied their pace cleverly, and chipped away at the wickets. The star with the ball was Hemantha, who claimed three crucial wickets. His clever variations and calm execution in the middle overs played a key role in dragging Australia back. Australia eventually folded for 181 all out in their 20 overs — a total that looked modest considering their position at the halfway stage.

Also READ: Janhvi Kapoor, Ajay Devgn and other Bollywood celebs react to India’s thumping win over Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 witnessed a sensational night in Pallekele as Sri Lanka stormed into the Super 8 stage with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Australia. The hero of the evening was opener Pathum Nissanka, whose breathtaking unbeaten century sent fans into a frenzy and sealed a memorable triumph.

Australia post competitive 181 after a strong start

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Sri Lanka faced an early challenge as Australia’s top order came out firing. Captain Mitchell Marsh smashed 54 off 27 deliveries, while Travis Head struck a blistering 56 off 29 balls. The pair shared a century stand that put Sri Lanka on the back foot during the powerplay.

However, Sri Lanka clawed their way back through disciplined bowling. Dushan Hemantha delivered a game-changing spell, claiming three crucial wickets, including Marsh and Head. Support from Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana ensured Australia were restricted to 181 all out in 20 overs.

Despite late cameos from Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis, Australia’s middle and lower order faltered under pressure.

Pathum Nissanka’s century lights up Pallekele

Chasing 182, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Perera early, but what followed was a masterclass from Pathum Nissanka. Displaying impeccable timing and composure, Nissanka anchored the innings while accelerating seamlessly.

He remained unbeaten on a stunning 100 off just 52 balls, peppering the boundary ropes with 10 fours and five sixes. His strike rate of over 190 highlighted the dominance he exerted over the Australian attack.

Partnered by Kusal Mendis, who contributed a fluent 51, Nissanka built a decisive partnership that turned the tide firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor. The duo added 97 runs, neutralizing Australia’s bowlers and maintaining control throughout the chase.

After Mendis’ dismissal, Nissanka found another able ally in Pavan Rathnayake, who chipped in with a brisk 28 not out. The pair guided Sri Lanka to 184 for 2 in just 18 overs, sealing victory with two overs to spare.

Australia’s bowlers, including Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis, struggled to find breakthroughs once Nissanka settled in. Marcus Stoinis was the only bowler to make inroads, picking up two wickets, but it was insufficient to halt Sri Lanka’s charge.

The emphatic win secured Sri Lanka’s place in the Super 8 stage and sparked wild celebrations among fans at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Chants echoed across the stands as Nissanka raised his bat to acknowledge the roaring crowd.

Also READ: Janhvi Kapoor, Ajay Devgn and other Bollywood celebs react to India’s thumping win over Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026

Here’s how fans reacted:

Pathum Nissanka…Woooww

#AusVsSL

— Jawwad (@_JA28) February 16, 2026

Pathum Nissanka, what an amazing knock. As clean as it can get.#slvsaus

— Arpit (@ArpitMittal108) February 16, 2026

Pathum nissanka 🔥🔥💥🫡

— Barfiii…….!!! (@dr_dootha) February 16, 2026

Impact of Pathum Nissanka! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Tjg4PgMfWa

— Khan (@ccricket713) February 16, 2026

🚨 PATHUM NISSANKA – FIRST BATTER TO SCORE A HUNDRED IN 2026 T20 WORLD CUP. pic.twitter.com/g5WLVKMbIy

— RCBian (@EhDiya) February 16, 2026

Pathum nissanka take bow man what a hunder in just 52 against mighty Aussies and cementing SL’s for super 8s bravado.

— 🇮🇳Raj (@RajIndia__) February 16, 2026

One of the best T20I innings from Pathum Nissanka…..just beautiful ❤️🔥👏👏👏 #T20WorldCup #AusVsSL

— AA (@photuuu99) February 16, 2026

🚨 PATHUM NISSANKA – FIRST BATTER TO SCORE A HUNDRED IN 2026 T20 WORLD CUP. 🚨

Wat a innings stand and salute 🫡

Australia 🇦🇺 are in edge of the seat to get eliminated from tournament #T20WorldCup #AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/fVwB93AgtI

— lokesh logu (@lokiMSD93) February 16, 2026

Ohhh Pathum Nissanka, wow!!! Just wow!!!#SLvsAUS #SLvAUS #T20WorldCup #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 #PathumNissanka

— Wudbeiser (@__beinghooman__) February 16, 2026

A stunning chase as Sri Lanka have qualified for the Super 8 stage 🔥💪#T20WorldCup2026 #AUSvsSL
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/saxNeAaQuV pic.twitter.com/klpBditrBM

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 16, 2026

The first hundred of this year’s T20 World Cu. – Pathum Nissanka, take a bow. What an unbelievable chase this has been. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/trdlfSLrNW

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) February 16, 2026

Pathum Nissanka wow just wow this is how you win a game single handedly

— Huzaifa Mansoor (@huzaifam1717) February 16, 2026

Pathum Nissanka. Take a bow ❤‍🔥#AusVsSL pic.twitter.com/xd64YX9XUG

— Angshuman (@angshumorous) February 16, 2026

PATHUM NISSANKA.

Take a Bow 🙏

WHAT AN INNINGS ❤️

— Harijith Ramesh (@HarijithRamesh) February 16, 2026

Also WATCH: Pathum Nissanka pulls off a screamer to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in AUS vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 game

In a tournament where the stakes are perpetually sky-high, the February 15 clash between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo felt more like a final than a Group A fixture. The 27th match of the T20 World Cup 2026 saw India continue their psychological edge over their neighbors, securing a clinical 61-run victory. Driven by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77 and a relentless bowling display that skittled Pakistan for a meagre 114, India officially punched their ticket to the Super 8s. However, for Pakistan, the “Mother of all Battles” has left behind a trail of mathematical desperation and a battered Net Run Rate (NRR).

Pakistan slides to third as their Net Run Rate takes a hit losing to India

The aftermath of the Colombo crushing has been statistically unkind to Salman Ali Agha’s men. Before the toss, Pakistan held a comfortable position, but the 61-run margin of defeat acted as a sledgehammer to their standing. They have now slipped to third place in Group A, trailing the United States on Net Run Rate.

While India sit comfortably at the summit with six points and a formidable NRR of +3.050, the real battle is brewing beneath them. USA occupies the second spot with four points and a healthy NRR of +0.787. Pakistan, also on four points, find themselves in the “red” with an NRR of -0.403. This swing is a direct result of their inability to chase India’s 175, losing wickets in clusters and failing to even reach the 120-mark. In a tournament format where every decimal point can act as a trapdoor, Pakistan’s failure to maintain a competitive margin has effectively taken the NRR tiebreaker off the table for them against the Americans.

Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav lose cool at Kuldeep Yadav during IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 showdown

How can Pakistan qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 round?

Despite the gloom, Pakistan still controls its own destiny, albeit by a thread. Their qualification scenario is now a binary equation: beat Namibia on February 18, or go home.

If Pakistan defeats Namibia, they will move to six points. Since the USA has already played all four of their group matches and is capped at four points, a Pakistani victory would see them leapfrog the Americans into second place regardless of the NRR deficit. However, the path is not without its ghosts. The USA is hoping for a repeat of recent upsets; if Namibia manages to shock Pakistan, the USA will qualify for the Super 8s by virtue of having more NRR (4) than a losing Pakistan (4 points, but a significantly lower NRR).

The Netherlands also remains a mathematical wildcard, though their path is nearly vertical. For the Dutch to qualify, they must not only beat India by a mammoth margin (likely exceeding 100 runs) but also hope Namibia beats Pakistan. This would create a three-way tie at four points between the USA, Pakistan, and the Netherlands, where the Dutch would need their NRR to jump from -1.352 to above +0.787. For Pakistan, the math is simpler but the pressure is immense, win in Colombo on Wednesday, or face an early flight back to Islamabad.

Also READ: Fans celebrate Ishan Kishan’s heroics as India hammer Pakistan to secure Super 8 spot

The high-octane rivalry between India and Pakistan reached a fever pitch this Sunday as the Men in Blue secured a resounding 61-run victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. While the action on the field was clinical, the post-match celebrations on social media have stolen the spotlight. Former Indian all-rounder and 2007 T20 World Cup hero, Irfan Pathan, has once again become the centre of a viral storm, playfully teasing Pakistani fans with a celebratory dance that has set the internet ablaze.

Irfan Pathan’s viral dance video adds spice after India’s emphatic T20 World Cup 2026 triumph over Pakistan

As the final Pakistani wicket fell in Colombo, Pathan took to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to share his joy in his trademark cheeky style. The veteran cricketer posted a video of himself grooving to the popular Bollywood track ‘Afghan Jalebi’, a song that has become his go-to anthem for celebrating victories against the arch-rivals.

Captioning the video with a provocative “Kaisa raha Sunday?” (How was your Sunday?), Pathan didn’t stop there. He followed up with another post on X, directly addressing the “padosiyo” (neighbors) by asking, “Padosiyo… Sunday kaisa raha?” This playful jab refers to the long-standing trend of India dominating Pakistan in World Cup matches scheduled on Sundays.

The video quickly garnered millions of views, drawing massive engagement from jubilant Indian supporters while sparking a flurry of reactions from disappointed fans across the border. Pathan’s “Sunday” taunts have become a recurring tradition, often rubbing salt into the wounds of the opposition after high-stakes encounters. His choice of ‘Afghan Jalebi’, a nod to his previous celebrations during the Asia Cup, serves as a reminder of India’s consistent supremacy in the shortest format of the game.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Boycott talk resurfaces as former spinner takes a brutal dig at Pakistan after crushing loss to India

Dominant India qualifies for Super 8 stage in T20 World Cup 2026

Beyond the social media banter, the victory marked a significant milestone for the Indian team led by Suryakumar Yadav. With this 61-run triumph, India have officially qualified for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, maintaining an unbeaten streak in Group A with six points from three matches.

The foundation of the win was laid by a blistering performance from Ishan Kishan, who decimated the Pakistani bowling attack with a 40-ball 77. Despite a spin-heavy strategy from Pakistan—which saw them bowl a record-equalling 18 overs of spin—India managed to post a competitive total of 175/7.

The second half of the game belonged entirely to the Indian bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya dismantled the top order early, leaving Pakistan reeling. The Men in Green were eventually bundled out for a mere 114 runs in 18 overs. This victory extends India’s formidable head-to-head record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups to 8-1, further cementing their status as tournament favourites. While India prepare for the next round, Pakistan now faces a must-win scenario against Namibia to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Also READ: Azmatullah Omarzai’s all round heroics inspires Afghanistan to a thrilling victory against UAE in T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 produced another thrilling contest as England overcame a spirited challenge from Italy in the 29th Group C fixture at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. England’s 24-run victory was shaped by explosive batting from Will Jacks and a decisive all-round display by Sam Curran.

England post 202/7 after aggressive batting display

Opting to bat first, England posted an imposing 202 for 7 in 20 overs, maintaining a run rate above ten per over. The innings saw contributions from multiple batters, though it lacked a traditional anchor.

Philip Salt set the tone with a brisk 28 off 15 balls before falling to Ali Hasan. Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell chipped in, but wickets at regular intervals prevented England from fully dominating the powerplay.

The middle overs saw Tom Banton and Harry Brook attempt to consolidate, but Italy’s bowlers struck back to keep the contest alive. However, the turning point arrived when Will Jacks unleashed a late assault. Remaining unbeaten on 53 off just 22 deliveries, Jacks hammered boundaries at will, finishing with a staggering strike rate above 240. His fearless hitting in the death overs ensured England crossed the 200-run mark.

21-ball fifty for Will Jacks 🔥#ENGvITA #WillJacks #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/9bjL8VcJjO

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 16, 2026

Sam Curran also played a vital role with the bat, contributing a quickfire 25 off 19 balls before being dismissed.

Also READ: Janhvi Kapoor, Ajay Devgn and other Bollywood celebs react to India’s thumping win over Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026

Italy respond with fighting spirit

Chasing 203, Italy showed remarkable resilience. After early setbacks, Justin Mosca anchored the innings with a well-crafted 43. However, the real momentum shift came through Ben Manenti’s explosive 60 off 25 balls, which brought Italy firmly back into the game.

Grant Stewart further intensified the chase with a blistering 45 off 23 deliveries, keeping hopes alive deep into the innings. At one stage, Italy appeared poised for an upset, especially after crossing 130 in the 15th over.

When pressure mounted, Curran stepped up. The left-arm pacer delivered a decisive spell, claiming three important wickets for 22 runs in his three overs.

Curran removed Grant Stewart at a critical juncture, halting Italy’s charge. He also accounted for Marcus Campopiano and Gian Meade, triggering a collapse that derailed Italy’s chase.

Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer supported with timely breakthroughs, but it was Curran’s control under pressure that swung the match decisively in England’s favour. Italy got all-out for 178 on the last ball of their innings.

With this win, England have reached the Super 8 stage of the competition.

England are through to the Super Eights ⚡#ENGvsITA #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/kHOwkZQ2Ui

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 16, 2026

Also WATCH: Frustrated Pakistan fans vandalise TV screen after humiliating loss against India in T20 World Cup 2026

The rivalry between India and Pakistan is often described as more than just a game; it is a high-stakes emotional rollercoaster that brings two nations to a standstill. On Sunday (February 15), the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo became the epicentre of cricketing nerves as these titans clashed in the 27th Match of Group A in the T20 World Cup 2026. While the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, the aftermath in the streets of Pakistan told a much darker story of heartbreak and outrage.

Angry Pakistan fans break television following loss to India in T20 World Cup 2026

For many fans, cricket is a source of national pride, but when that pride is wounded, the reaction can be visceral. Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance against their arch-rivals, the frustration boiled over into a scene that has unfortunately become a recurring motif of the rivalry.

Soon after the final ball was bowled, a video began circulating rapidly across social media platforms, capturing a group of supporters in a state of absolute fury. In the footage, which has since gone viral, a group of men can be seen hauling a large television set into an open courtyard.

The scene escalated quickly as the crowd began pelting stones at the TV screen, shattering the glass before eventually smashing it to pieces with heavy objects. The raw emotion in the video highlights the crushing weight of expectation placed on the Pakistan team. For these fans, the loss wasn’t just a mark on the points table; it was a perceived surrender on the biggest stage of all, leading to a physical venting of their sporting grief.

Here’s the video:

just another day in Pakistan#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/2AhvM7d13Q

— ηᎥ†Ꭵղ (@nkk_123) February 15, 2026

Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav lose cool at Kuldeep Yadav during IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 showdown

India’s commanding victory against Pakistan

The destruction off the field was a direct reflection of the dominance on it. India’s 61-run victory was orchestrated by a sensational performance from Player of the Match Ishan Kishan, whose explosive 77 off 40 balls anchored the Indian innings.

India’s innings was a tale of two halves. Despite losing Abhishek Sharma for a duck in the first over, Kishan launched a brutal counter-attack, smashing 4 fours and 11 sixes to bring up India’s 50 in just 5.6 overs. Supported by Tilak Varma (25) and a late cameo from Suryakumar Yadav (32), India reached a formidable 175/7. Pakistan’s Saim Ayub was the surprise pick of the bowlers, taking 3/25, but the target of 176 proved to be a mountain too high for a fragile batting lineup.

Pakistan’s chase never found its rhythm, beginning with a disastrous Powerplay. Hardik Pandya struck in the very first over to remove Sahibzada Farhan for 0, followed shortly by Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Saim Ayub and Salman Agha in quick succession. By the end of the 6th over, Pakistan was reeling at 38/4.

Babar Azam’s uncharacteristic struggle (5 off 7 balls) ended when he was cleaned up by Axar Patel, leaving the middle order exposed. Despite a brief resistance from Usman Khan (44), the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav tightened the noose. The innings finally folded in the 18th over for just 114 runs. With this win, India moves comfortably to the top of Group A, while Pakistan faces a daunting task to keep their World Cup dreams alive

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