COLOMBO — In what can only be described as a masterclass in psychological and tactical dominance, India cruised to a crushing 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15. While the scoreboard reflects a one-sided affair, it was Suryakumar Yadav’s “disrespectful” confidence in his part-time bowlers that has sparked a firestorm of criticism within the Pakistan cricket community.
The “Part-Time” Humiliation
The defining moment of the match came in the 13th over. With Pakistan already struggling to keep their heads above water, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav signaled for Tilak Varma to take the ball. Varma delivered instantly, dismissing the veteran Shadab Khan with his very first delivery, leaving Pakistan reeling at 78/7.
Suryakumar didn’t stop there. He later handed the ball to KKR finisher Rinku Singh, who conceded just nine runs in a tidy cameo.
Former Pakistan international Basit Ali didn’t hold back on the talk show Game On Hai, interpreting the move as a deliberate statement of superiority.
“Surya has slapped Pakistan hard by giving the ball to Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh,” Basit Ali remarked. “This shows the current value of Pakistan’s cricket. I’m not even talking about the threat of Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, or Jasprit Bumrah—when their part-timers are taking your wickets, you know where you stand.”
A Batting Order in Shambles
Chasing a target of 176, the Pakistan top order folded like a house of cards. The statistics tell a grim story of a batting unit unable to handle the pressure:
- Sahibzada Farhan: 0 (4 balls)
- Saim Ayub: 6 (2 balls)
- Salman Ali Agha (C): 4 (4 balls)
- Babar Azam: 5 (7 balls)
Only Usman Khan showed any semblance of fight, top-scoring with a spirited 44 off 34 balls before falling to Axar Patel. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for a meager 114 in just 18 overs.
India’s Balanced Assault
Earlier in the day, India posted a formidable 175/7, anchored by a explosive 77 from Ishan Kishan. His 40-ball knock, featuring 10 boundaries and three towering sixes, set the tone for the match. Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a steady 32.
When it came time to defend, India’s specialist bowlers were relentless. Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy all claimed two wickets each, showcasing the immense depth that has made India the team to beat in this tournament.
Fallout and Future Consequences
The humiliation in Colombo is expected to trigger a “cascading effect” within the Pakistan camp. Reports are already circulating that major changes are imminent, with stalwarts like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi potentially facing the axe as the PCB looks to rebuild from the ruins of this defeat.
For India, the victory is a testament to their bowling evolution; for Pakistan, it is a stark reminder of the widening gap between the two South Asian giants.