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Pakistan's 18-over spin blitz vs India enters T20 World Cup record books

Pakistan's bowling attack delivered a record-tying 18 overs of spin against India in Colombo, matching their own feat from the 2012 T20 World Cup against Australia. This strategic blitz placed the match among the most spin-heavy innings in T20I history between full-member nations. Despite the spin dominance, India posted a competitive 175/7, powered by a brilliant 77 from Ishan Kishan. Ayub was Pakistan's standout bowler with figures of 3/25, supported by Shaheen Afridi and others.

Key Points: Pakistan's 18-over spin record vs India in T20 WC

  • Equals T20 WC spin record
  • Matches 2012 feat vs Australia
  • Tough pitch for 175/7 total
  • Ishan Kishan's 77-run masterclass
2 min read

Pakistan's 18-over spin blitz vs India enters T20 WC record books

Pakistan equals T20 World Cup record with 18 overs of spin against India in Colombo. Relive the match highlights and key bowling performances.

"The 18-over spin effort... places the match among the most spin-reliant innings in all T20Is between full member sides. - Match Report"

Colombo, February 15

Pakistan's 18 overs of spin against India in Colombo entered the record books of T20 World Cup history after they bowled the joint-most overs in the tournament's history.

The Salman Agha-led Pakistan bowled a remarkable 18 overs of spin against India in Colombo, equalling the record for the most overs of spin delivered in a T20 World Cup innings.

The only other instance of 18 overs of spin in a T20 WC innings came when Pakistan employed a similar tactic against Australia at the same venue during the 2012 edition.

Other notable spin-heavy efforts in T20 World Cup history include Afghanistan's 16 overs of spin against England in Delhi in 2016 and against West Indies in Nagpur the same year. Pakistan also bowled 16 overs of spin against the USA in 2026.

The 18-over spin effort against India also places the match among the most spin-reliant innings in all T20Is between full member sides.

Zimbabwe bowled 18 overs of spin against West Indies in Port of Spain in 2010, while Pakistan's 18 overs against Australia in 2012 remains another standout. New Zealand's 17 overs of spin against India in Lucknow in 2023 also features high on the list.

Coming to the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first. The masterclass knock by Ishan Kishan (77 off 40) and crucial knocks from skipper Suryakumar Yadav (32 in 29 balls, with three fours) and Shivam Dube (27 in 17 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to a competitive total of 175/7 on a tough pitch.

Ayub (3/25 in four overs) was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, while Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/31 in two overs), Usman Tariq (1/24 in four overs) and Agha (1/10 in two overs) were also among the wickets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Pakistan always tries these defensive, spin-heavy tactics against us. It's a record for them, but it didn't stop India from putting up a fighting total. Our middle order needs to be more consistent though.
V
Vikram M
They can have the record book entry. We want the trophy! 🏆 Stats are for analysts, fans remember who won the match. Hope our bowlers learn to use the conditions as well.
A
Ananya R
Shows how important it is to have batters who can play spin well, especially in Asian conditions. Kudos to Kishan and SKY for navigating that. We need more such players in the squad.
D
David E
As a cricket fan, it's fascinating to see such tactical depth in T20. 18 overs of spin is a huge gamble. Credit to Pakistan for sticking to a plan, even if the result is what matters most.
S
Siddharth J
Honestly, the article focuses too much on Pakistan's bowling. The highlight was our batting on a tough track. Wish journalists would celebrate our players' efforts a bit more.

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