By Krishna Dua 
India Beat Pakistan on 16 Feb 2026: Match Highlights
India produced one of the most dominant performances in recent India–Pakistan T20 encounters, defeating Pakistan by 82 runs in their Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 15 February 2026 (played under lights and concluded early on 16 February IST). The victory was built on a clinical batting display, ruthless bowling in the middle overs, and exceptional fielding — a complete team performance that kept India unbeaten in the group and virtually assured them a top-two finish.
The match will be remembered for Rohit Sharma’s explosive century, Jasprit Bumrah’s career-best T20 World Cup spell, and a relentless Indian bowling unit that never allowed Pakistan to build any momentum. Global viewership crossed 720 million — the highest for any cricket match in 2026 so far.
Toss & India Innings – 214/4 in 20 Overs
Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first under lights, expecting dew to assist the chasing side later. India’s openers gave a blistering start:
- Rohit Sharma: 112* off 58 balls (9 fours, 7 sixes)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 48 off 28 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes)
The pair added 118 runs in 10.2 overs — the highest opening stand by India against Pakistan in T20 World Cup history — before Jaiswal was caught at deep midwicket off Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Virat Kohli walked in at No. 3 and played a measured yet destructive 62* off 38 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), adding an unbroken 96-run partnership for the third wicket with Rohit. Suryakumar Yadav contributed a quick 22 off 14 balls in the middle overs.
India scored 214/4 — their highest total against Pakistan in T20 World Cups and the second-highest in any India–Pakistan T20I (behind only 237/3 in the 2024 Asia Cup).
Pakistan bowlers struggled:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: 2/48
- Haris Rauf: 1/52
- Naseem Shah: 1/46
- Shadab Khan: 0/38
Pakistan Innings – 132 All Out in 18.3 Overs
Chasing 215, Pakistan lost early wickets to India’s new-ball pair:
- Mohammad Rizwan — lbw to Jasprit Bumrah (first ball of the innings)
- Babar Azam — caught at mid-off off Arshdeep Singh (3rd over)
At 28/3 after 5 overs, Pakistan were already in deep trouble. The middle order collapsed under sustained pressure from India’s spinners and death bowlers:
- Jasprit Bumrah: 4/18 (4 overs) — career-best T20 World Cup figures
- Ravindra Jadeja: 2/19
- Axar Patel: 2/22
- Hardik Pandya: 1/14
Pakistan were bowled out for 132 in 18.3 overs — their lowest total against India in T20 World Cups and one of the heaviest defeats in the rivalry’s history.
Key Moments That Decided the Match
- Powerplay collapse — Pakistan 28/3 in 5 overs (Rizwan, Babar, Fakhar Zaman all dismissed early)
- Bumrah’s double strike — removed Babar and Iftikhar Ahmed in the space of three balls in the 8th over
- Jadeja’s double blow — two wickets in two balls in the 12th over to break the middle order
- Rohit’s unbeaten 112* — first T20 World Cup century by an Indian captain against Pakistan
- Superb fielding — five catches and two direct-hit run-outs (Jadeja & Hardik)
Player of the Match & Key Performances
- Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma — 112* off 58 balls (match-defining innings)
- Best bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 4/18 (India)
- Top scorer for Pakistan: Iftikhar Ahmed 38 (Pakistan)
Post-Match Reactions
- Rohit Sharma (India captain): “Special night. The way the bowlers came back after we posted 214 was outstanding. The crowd was unbelievable — felt like a home final.”
- Babar Azam (Pakistan captain): “We didn’t start well with the bat and India’s bowlers were exceptional. Credit to them. We’ll regroup and fight in the remaining games.”
- Jasprit Bumrah: “Very satisfying to contribute in such a big game. The plan was clear — hit hard lengths and take wickets in clusters.”
- Virat Kohli: “The energy in the stadium was electric. Winning in front of this crowd against Pakistan is always special.”
Impact on Group Standings (after 15 Feb)
- India: 4 points (2 wins), NRR +3.12 — virtually assured top spot in Group A
- Pakistan: 2 points (1 win, 1 loss), NRR –2.84 — must win remaining matches with big margins to qualify
- Australia & Scotland: both on 2 points
India’s net run-rate is now the best in the group.
Conclusion
India’s 82-run victory over Pakistan on 15 February 2026 at Eden Gardens will be remembered as one of the most one-sided results in the storied India–Pakistan T20 rivalry. Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten century, Jasprit Bumrah’s four-wicket haul, and a disciplined bowling performance dismantled Pakistan’s chase, delivering India a statement win in front of a roaring Kolkata crowd.
The match has shifted momentum decisively in India’s favour and raised serious questions over Pakistan’s ability to compete against top teams in this tournament. For Indian fans, it was a night of pure celebration; for Pakistan, a reality check.
Cricket’s greatest rivalry delivered once again — this time with India on top in emphatic fashion.