Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s reliance on spin against arch-rivals India in Colombo entered the record books after they bowled 18 overs of spin in a single T20 World Cup innings, equalling the tournament record.Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan sent down 18 overs of spin against the defending champions, matching the most spin overs delivered in a T20 World Cup innings. The only other time 18 overs of spin were bowled in an innings in a T20 World Cup match was when Pakistan used the same approach against Australia at the same venue 14 years ago in the 2012 edition.Other spin-heavy efforts in T20 World Cup history include Afghanistan’s 16 overs of spin against England in Delhi in 2016 and against West Indies in Nagpur in the same year. Pakistan also bowled 16 overs of spin against the USA in 2026.The 18 overs of spin against India also places the game among the most spin-dependent innings in all T20Is between full-member teams. Zimbabwe bowled 18 overs of spin against West Indies in Port of Spain in 2010. Pakistan’s 18 overs against Australia in 2012 remains another instance, while New Zealand bowled 17 overs of spin against India in Lucknow in 2023.In the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to field. A 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan, along with 32 from 29 balls by captain Suryakumar Yadav and 27 off 17 from Shivam Dube, helped India post 175 for 7 on a pitch that offered assistance to bowlers.Saim Ayub was Pakistan’s leading bowler with figures of 3 for 25 in four overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/31 in two overs), Usman Tariq (1/24 in four overs) and Salman Ali Agha (1/10 in two overs) also took wickets.India won the match by 61 runs after Pakistan were dismissed for a mere 114 in 18 overs.
