Pakistan suffered a crushing 61-run defeat against India in their third Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Chasing 176, Pakistan were bowled out for just 114 in 18 overs in a one-sided contest.
India’s bowling attack proved too strong, with Varun Chakaravarthy, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel claiming two wickets each, while Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma chipped in with one apiece.
The loss has severely dented Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying for the Super 8s. The Men in Green have slipped to third place in the Group A standings, with only the top two teams progressing to the next round.
To stay alive in the tournament, Pakistan must defeat Namibia in their final Group A fixture on February 18 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. A loss would see them finish below the United States in the points table, ending their Super 8 aspirations.
However, the USA’s qualification will also depend on the outcome of the India-Netherlands clash in Ahmedabad. If India win, the USA will secure second place. But if the Netherlands pull off an upset, net run rate will decide who advances.
If Pakistan beat Namibia, the Salman Ali Agha-led side will move to six points and seal their place in the Super 8s.
