Hardik Pandya celebrated with a ice cold no look gesture after dismissing Sahibzada Farhan in India vs Pakistan clash.
Team India secured a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their Group A clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, confirming their spot in the Super 8 phase.
India posted a competitive total of 175, powered by Ishan Kishan’s brilliant half-century. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, as Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah led a disciplined bowling performance.
Hardik Pandya made an early impact, striking in the very first over to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan for a duck. Rinku Singh completed the catch, and Pandya celebrated in style with a no-look gesture. He walked straight towards Farhan while not even bothering to take a glimpse at the dismissal calling for the ice cold celebration.
Kishan emerged as India’s top scorer with a fluent 77 off 40 deliveries. Captain Suryakumar Yadav added 32 off 29 balls, while Shivam Dube contributed a quick 27. For Pakistan, Saim Ayub stood out with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/25. Skipper Salman Ali Agha and Usman Tariq claimed one wicket each.
During the chase, Usman Khan top-scored for Pakistan with a 34-ball 44. Shaheen Shah Afridi remained unbeaten on 23 off 19 deliveries. However, Pakistan never gained control of the chase, and the result was never in doubt.
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This win marked India’s third straight victory in the tournament, following earlier triumphs over the USA and Namibia. The defending champions have now qualified for the next round and will look to maintain their strong form on home soil.
Pakistan, who had defeated the Netherlands and the USA in their earlier matches before suffering the loss to India, will conclude their league stage campaign against Namibia. A place in the Super 8 will be at stake in that crucial encounter.
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