Pandya and Bumrah Shocks Pakistan in T20 World Cup Blockbuster

In a breathtaking start to the second innings at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Hardik Pandya delivered a masterclass that electrified the 2026 T20 World Cup. Defending 175, India needed an early breakthrough, and Pandya provided exactly that with a phenomenal wicket-maiden opening over.

The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as Pandya’s first delivery, a sharp, probing length ball, forced an edge from Sahibzada Farhan, sending him back to the pavilion for a golden duck. Undeterred by the pressure of the high-stakes chase, Pandya followed up with five consecutive dot balls, ruthlessly drying up the runs and leaving Pakistan reeling at 0/1 after the first over.

Right after Farhan, Bumrah got 2 wickets in the same over Saim Ayub and Salman Agha). Saim got out after hitting a massive six. This sudden loss of openers put Pakistan under immense pressure. 

Right now, Pakistan is 13/3 in 2 overs.