Key points
- Early batting collapse ruined Pakistan’s chase
- Namibia match now crucial for qualification
COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted his side failed to execute their plans in a heavy 61-run defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to field and deployed a spin-heavy attack in an attempt to take advantage of the conditions. However, the strategy did not pay off as India’s batters, led by a fluent half-century from Ishan Kishan, powered their side to an imposing 175/7 in 20 overs.
Pakistan’s spinners endured a difficult outing. Abrar Ahmed conceded 38 runs in three overs, while Shadab Khan gave away 17 runs in a single over, with both finishing without a wicket. Agha later described it as an “off-day” for the spin unit.
The batting effort also faltered, as Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. Early wickets during the chase left the side under immediate pressure, making recovery increasingly difficult.
Execution
“We went with four spinners; they had an off-day. Execution was missing in some parts. With the bat, we did not start well,” said Agha at the post-match presentation.
“If you lose 3-4 wickets in the powerplay, you are always chasing the game. In the first innings, it was a bit tacky, and the ball was gripping too.
“The pitch played better in the second innings, but we did not bowl according to the situation, and we did not apply ourselves with the bat.”
Agha acknowledged the emotional intensity of matches against India but urged his team to refocus quickly.
“In these games, the emotions are always going to be high; we just need to deal with them. We have played enough [of these games], we have a game in a couple of days, and we have to look forward to it. We need to win that and qualify. Then it is a new tournament.”
