By Retired Cricket Veteran Ashok Bambi
Colombo: India registered a commanding and one-sided victory, powered almost single-handedly by a sensational knock from Ishan Kishan. The only moment of hope for Pakistan came in the very first over when they dismissed Abhishek Sharma. Unfortunately, it was his second consecutive low score, as he fell to a loose shot off a rather ordinary delivery. However, given his immense talent, there is little doubt that he will soon return to form.
Any early optimism for Pakistan was crushed in the very next over when Ishan Kishan launched a fierce counterattack. He took on Shaheen Afridi with authority, completely shifting the momentum in India’s favor. Despite Pakistan deploying a variety of spin options, none could contain the left-handed batter, who dominated the bowling with confidence and aggression.
Kishan batted with remarkable intensity and purpose. After being sidelined for nearly two years due to disciplinary issues, he appears to have returned with renewed hunger and determination. His innings reflected maturity, focus, and a clear statement that he belongs at the highest level.
The Premadasa pitch was considered challenging for batting, but Kishan made it look otherwise. While other Indian batters struggled to settle in, he played freely and dictated terms. Valuable contributions from Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dubey, and Rinku Singh added crucial runs, helping India post a competitive total of 175.
Pakistan’s hopes faded rapidly during the chase. They lost three wickets within the first two overs to Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, effectively sealing the contest almost immediately. From that point onward, the match was firmly in India’s control.
What had been billed as a high-voltage Indo-Pak encounter turned out to be a completely one-sided affair. While the rivalry always adds excitement, the current standards of the two teams appear significantly apart. India displayed superior skill, discipline, and depth across departments, underscoring their dominance on the field.
In the end, it was not just a victory — it was a statement performance.
