NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan received a well-deserved standing ovation at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo after a blistering innings that blew the Pakistan bowlers away.

India suffered an early setback when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck. But Kishan had other plans.

Also READ: Fans slam Abhishek Sharma after another duck in T20 world cup 2026

He attacked the Pakistan bowlers all around the ground. There were innovative strokes. There was raw power. Every region of the field was tested as he took control of the innings and left the opposition searching for answers.

However, the magnificent knock ended short of a deserved century when Kishan was dismissed for 77. His 48-ball stay included 10 fours and three towering sixes and had firmly put India in command.

Ayub ends the storm

Pakistan finally found relief through Saim Ayub. Kishan backed away too far towards the leg side while trying to create room. The ball gripped the surface and turned just enough. With his weight leaning back, he failed to reach it properly and it clipped the top of middle and leg, knocking the bail out of its groove.

Ayub threw his arms up in celebration as Pakistan breathed a huge sigh of relief. Kishan walked back to a roaring crowd that applauded a knock which defied the conditions and gave India the upper hand.

With such a powerful start, India will now look to capitalise on the momentum Kishan created and push towards the 200-run mark, a target that could prove extremely difficult to chase on this slow pitch.