The 2026 T20 World Cup India vs Pakistan match is finally over. The Men in Blue once again put up a strong performance against their arch-rivals and the match ended in a one-sided result. While chasing the target of 176 runs, Indian bowlers destroyed Pakistan’s batting order. Ishan Kishan was looking different on a wicket that was holding.
Before the match, former India captain Rohit Sharma, who was in Sri Lanka to watch the game in Colombo, was seen hugging former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram. Rohit is the brand ambassador of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the 2026 T20 World Cup. He is the last captain to lift the trophy in the previous edition.
Rohit Sharma rejected the policy of not shaking hands
Wasim Akram and Rohit were seen chatting with Sanajan Ganesan during the ICC pre-match show. However, this hug and handshake occurred at a time when both teams were following a no-handshake policy. India had stopped shaking hands during the Asia Cup last year to show solidarity over the Pahalgam terror attack.
Veterans hug, children don’t shake hands. #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FmfZlF12yA
– Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) 15 February 2026
Despite several meetings and demands from the Pakistan Cricket Board to the ICC to resume the handshake, it did not happen last night. However, Rohit Sharma is the brand ambassador of the apex body; They will have to follow all protocols, shake hands and talk to former Pakistan cricketers and broadcasters if needed.
Rohit Sharma praised Pakistan team
Rohit Sharma also praised the Pakistan team before the match, saying, “I have seen the Pakistan team, they have very good players there.” The former India captain also visited the Indian camp, welcoming the players and support staff with a smile, shaking hands and wishing them all the best before the game.
Rohit Sharma said, “I have seen the Pakistan team, there are very good players there. pic.twitter.com/uSglRQeejV
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 15 February 2026
Before both the teams went out for the national anthem, Rohit Sharma also went to the field with the trophy and kept it with him and stood in the middle and sang the national anthem. Rohit Sharma was earlier seen during India’s opening match against America at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India vs Pakistan: No rivalry anymore
Talking about the match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga won the toss and invited India to bat first. The Men in Blue made two changes, with Arshdeep Singh and Sanju Samson making way for Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma. Despite losing the wicket of Abhishek early, Team India was not on the backfoot.
Ishan Kishan once again showed why he is one of the most in-form batsmen in world cricket at the moment. Kishan thrashed Pakistan bowlers all over the park. The Men in Green’s spinners, Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan, tore apart all parts of the ground. He scored 77 runs in 40 balls. It seemed like a completely different wicket when he was batting.
However, the true nature of the wicket seen after his dismissal was entertaining and turning. India scored 175/7 with little contribution from the middle order. Chasing the target, Pakistan team was not even close to the match.
They lost their most informed batsman Sahibzada Farhan with the wicket of Hardik Pandya in the very first over. In the second over, Pakistan’s two batsmen Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha were sent back to the pavilion by Jasprit Bumrah. Varun Chakraborty and Akshar Patel took two wickets each. Pakistan was out for 114 runs.
Also read: After defeating Pakistan, Ishan Kishan said, you just have to believe and focus on your strengths.
