Colombo: Pakistan men’s cricket team recorded a unique bowling feat on Sunday during their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals India at the R Premadasa Stadium here.
The 2009 champions used six spin options – Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq and captain Salman Ali Agha in the blockbuster match played at the slow and winding R Premadasa Stadium.
The six spinners used by Pakistan are the most by a team in a Men’s T20 World Cup innings and the most by a full member nation in the shorter format.
As a result, Pakistan’s stacked spin department bowled 18 overs against arch-rivals India, who were bowled out for 142 for 5.
Leading the charge was Pakistan’s spin-dominated bowling, returning sensational bowling figures of 3/25 from his four overs, while mystery spinner Usman and captain Agha claimed a scalp each.
Conversely, the spin pair of Abrar and Shatab struggled, conceding 38 runs in three overs and 17 runs in one, respectively.
Despite Pakistan trying to take advantage of the spin-friendly conditions here, defending champions India managed to post 175/5 in 20 overs thanks to opener Ishan Kishan.
Kishan led India’s recovery after losing his opening partner Abhishek Sharma (nil) with 10 fours and 3 sixes in the first over with 77 off 40 balls.
His efforts were supported by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 32 off 29 balls with 3 fours, while Thilak Verma (25) and Shivam Dubey (27) made significant contributions.