Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stands with teammates in the course of the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026 match towards India at at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 15, 2026. — Fb/@PakistanCricketBoard
Skipper Salman Ali Agha admitted Pakistan fell quick in execution as they slumped to a heavy 61-run defeat towards India in the course of the high-stakes ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage fixture at Colombo, on Sunday.
The 2009 champions fielded a spin-heavy assault to use the circumstances right here after successful the toss and placing India into bat.
However their in-form spin division was dominated by Ishan Kishan, who powered India to a formidable whole of 175/5 in 20 overs with a blistering half-century.
Amongst Pakistan’s spin-bowling division, Abrar Ahmed and skilled all-rounder Shadab Khan struggled considerably, conceding 38 runs in three overs and 17 in a single, respectively, and went wicketless, and their captain Agha insisted that that they had an “off-day”.
The Inexperienced Shirts have been equally disappointing with the bat as they may muster 114 earlier than getting bowled out in 18 overs, and Agha burdened that Pakistan’s disastrous begin within the run chase had compelled them to chase the sport straightaway.
“We went with four spinners; they had an off-day. Execution was missing in some parts. With the bat, we did not start well,” stated Agha on the post-match presentation.
“If you lose 3-4 wickets in the powerplay, you are always chasing the game. In the first innings, it was a bit tacky, and the ball was gripping too.
“The pitch performed higher within the second innings, however we didn’t bowl in accordance with the state of affairs, and we didn’t apply ourselves with the bat.”
The Pakistan captain further emphasised the need to tackle the pressure in nerve-testing fixtures against traditional rivals India, but urged that they need to focus on winning their remaining group-stage fixture against Namibia, scheduled to be played on Wednesday, to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights.
“In these video games, the feelings are at all times going to be excessive; we simply must cope with it. We have now performed sufficient [of these games], now we have a sport in a few days, and now we have to look ahead to it. We have to win that and qualify. Then it’s a new event.”
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson said India “outclassed” Pakistan, admitting that the loss had left the squad dejected.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Hesson said: “India outclassed us. After this efficiency, everybody within the dressing room is upset.”
He pointed to changing conditions during the game, noting that the ball skidded more in the second innings compared to the first.
Hesson praised India batter Ishan Kishan for his match-winning knock. “Ishan Kishan performed an excellent innings and took the sport away from us,” he stated.
The Pakistan coach defended using spinner Usman Tariq, saying he was launched on the applicable time in accordance with his function within the facet. Nevertheless, Hesson acknowledged shortcomings in Pakistan’s batting efficiency.
