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IND vs PAK 1st Innings Update: The first innings of a high-voltage clash between the India national cricket team and the Pakistan national cricket team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has concluded. And it has delivered a dramatic first innings, as India has posted a competitive 175/7 at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl on a surface that offered just enough grip to keep both batters and bowlers in the contest.
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Ishan Kishan’s Fastest Fifty Sets the Tone for India
The innings was powered by a sensational knock from Ishan Kishan, who scored the fastest fifty in an India-Pakistan game as he smashed 77 off just 40 deliveries. He delivered a solid 10 fours and three sixes.
Kishan’s aggressive intent in the powerplay completely shifted momentum in India’s favour and this allowed the middle order to play with freedom despite a flurry of wickets at the other end.
Abhishek Sharma’s Unwanted T20 World Cup Record
The match also saw an unfortunate milestone for opener Abhishek Sharma. The left-hander, who was hyped a lot before the world ended, has unfortunately become the first Indian opener in T20 World Cup history to register back-to-back zeros.
His early dismissal left India struggling at 1 for 1. However, it was Kishan’s counter-attack that quickly steadied the innings and prevented Pakistan from fully capitalising on the early breakthrough.
Middle Order Support Keeps India Competitive
After Kishan’s departure, Tilak Varma (25 off 24) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 29) did a good job to keep India in the game. However, quick wickets of Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar slowed the momentum in the death overs.
The finishing touch came from Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh, whose late hitting pushed India past the 170-run mark, which is also the highest score in an India-Pakistan game.
Pakistani Spinners did a Good job Pakistan’s Bowling Concerns
Shaheen Shah Afridi conceded 31 runs in just two overs. However, Saim Ayub, Nawaz and Usman Tariq pulled the match. Saim Ayub emerged as Pakistan’s standout bowler. He picked up three crucial wickets. And the much-hyped Usman gave up only 24 runs in his four overs.
Match Situation and What Lies Ahead
At the interval, India’s 175/7 looks slightly above par. If Pakistan wants to win this game, they will have to do something extraordinary that never happened in the previous India vs Pakistan encounter.
