India outclassed Pakistan by 61 runs in a high-voltage T20 World Cup encounter, defending 175 with a clinical bowling display to stay unbeaten and strengthen their dominance.

In a marquee T20 World Cup showdown that lived up to its billing, India delivered a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan, reinforcing their dominance in the tournament and cruising into the Super Eights without a blemish.

After being put to the test early with Abhishek Sharma departing on the very first ball, India rebuilt through a counterattacking display from Ishan Kishan. The left-hander pierced the field with 10 boundaries and cleared it thrice, anchoring the innings as India closed on 175 for seven. Suryakumar Yadav’s brisk 32 further steadied the middle overs, ensuring momentum never drifted too far.

Pakistan’s reply unravelled almost immediately. The early overs proved decisive as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya dismantled the top order within the first two overs, reducing the chase to survival mode rather than pursuit. Though Usman Khan offered resistance with a 44-run effort, the required rate spiralled beyond control.

Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy tightened the screws in the middle overs, shutting down any late surge and wrapping up Pakistan’s innings at 114 in 18 overs. Bumrah (2-17) and Pandya (2-16) set the tone with the new ball, while the spinners ensured there was no comeback.

Kishan’s aggressive half-century earned him the player-of-the-match honour, capping a performance that once again tilted the storied rivalry in India’s favour. With this result, India now hold eight wins in nine T20 World Cup meetings against Pakistan.

Beyond the numbers, the victory signals India’s growing depth in both pace and spin departments an advantage that could prove decisive in knockout stages. For Pakistan, early collapses remain a recurring concern in high-pressure games, something they must urgently address to stay competitive on the global stage.