India captain Suryakumar Yadav endured a frustrating outing as he fell in the penultimate over of the high-octane IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 clash, dismissed by Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq. Attempting to accelerate late in the innings, Suryakumar mistimed his shot and was safely caught inside the boundary by Saim Ayub.
Usman Tariq marked the moment with a dramatic celebration — bowing down before theatrically blowing a flying kiss — a gesture that instantly added spice to an already intense rivalry.
WATCH – Suryakumar Yadav Gives Usman Tariq A Bold Welcome With First-Ball Boundary
Suryakumar’s 32 off 29 balls came at a time when India were trying to steady themselves after a mini-collapse. Earlier, Abhishek Sharma had fallen for a duck, but Ishan Kishan counterpunched brilliantly with a blistering 77 off 40 deliveries. However, wickets continued to tumble at the other end, preventing India from fully capitalising on Kishan’s momentum.
— Chandra Moulee Das (@Dasthewayyy) February 15, 2026
A crucial third-wicket stand between Tilak Varma and Suryakumar carried India from 88 for 2 to 126 for 3 in six overs. Tilak’s dismissal shifted the pressure back on the skipper, who struggled to find his usual fluency. Though he stayed at the crease for four more overs, the timing and rhythm that define his T20 game were missing.
India eventually posted a competitive 175 for 7 in 20 overs — a total that felt slightly above par on a surface offering grip and turn.
WATCH – Ishan Kishan Smashes Fiery Fifty To Dismantle Pakistan’s Spin Plan
Pakistan’s chase began on shaky ground. At 21 for 3 inside three overs, they lost both openers and captain Salman Ali Agha. Hardik Pandya provided the early breakthrough, while Jasprit Bumrah struck twice to tighten India’s grip. With Babar Azam and Usman Khan at the crease, the contest remained delicately poised under Colombo lights.
