With plenty of pre-match buzz around Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq, India captain Suryakumar Yadav wasted no time in making a statement during the T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on February 15. Facing Tariq for the first time in the 11th over, Suryakumar camped deep inside his crease, read the carrom ball early, and whipped it crisply through mid-wicket for a boundary off the very first delivery. It was a shot that underlined both confidence and clarity.
Suryakumar’s approach reflected the kind of form he has carried into this tournament. The 35-year-old began his campaign with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls against the USA and has been one of India’s most consistent performers in 2026.
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Across seven innings this year, he has piled up 338 runs at a staggering strike rate of 182.70, registering four half-centuries. His intent against Tariq reinforced why he remains central to India’s middle-order blueprint. Earlier, Ishan Kishan had laid the perfect platform with a blistering 77 off 40 balls, striking three sixes and 10 fours.
No pause… just play! 😏@surya_14kumar welcomes Usman Tariq with a boundary. GAME ON! 🔛
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/SpqYo6n3dL pic.twitter.com/yAUa3HIqgW
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 15, 2026
While Abhishek Sharma fell for a four-ball duck, India quickly regained control through a steady third-wicket stand between Suryakumar and Tilak Varma. At 112 for 2 after 12.2 overs, India were firmly placed, with Tilak on 22 off 20 and Suryakumar building momentum. India entered the contest high on confidence after convincing wins over the USA and Namibia.
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Pakistan, too, had victories against the Netherlands and USA but have struggled historically in this rivalry. India currently hold a commanding 13-3 win-loss record in T20Is against Pakistan and have not lost to them since the 2022 Asia Cup. On a high-pressure stage, Suryakumar’s calculated aggression once again signaled India’s intent to dominate.
