T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Strike hi nahi mili’ – Tilak Varma’s hilarious take on Ishan Kishan’s blitz in India vs Pakistan clash

India batter Tilak Varma lauded Ishan Kishan’s explosive powerplay assault in their T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday, calling it the defining phase that tilted the contest in India’s favour. On a tricky surface Kishan’s fearless approach ensured that India seized control despite losing Abhishek Sharma for a duck.

Undeterred by the early setback, Kishan continued to attack, launching Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Afridi over mid-wicket for a six to set the tone. He followed it up by targeting the spinners aggressively, particularly Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, showing clear intent to dominate the first six overs.

Walking in at No. 3, Tilak Varma adopted a supporting role as Kishan took charge, building momentum on a tacky pitch where stroke-making became harder as the innings progressed. The impact of Kishan’s innings was most evident in the Powerplay numbers. The left-hander scored 42 of India’s 52 runs in the first six overs, with 32 of those coming in boundaries.

Tilak later explained that while scoring was relatively smoother early on, Kishan dominated the phase with his intent, allowing India to build a strong platform for a competitive total of 175. 

“Powerplay pe thoda better aa raha tha bat pe. Phir bhi, the way Ishan has batted, doosre end se mujhe bhi laga, strike hi nahin mila powerplay mein. Toh mujhe bhi laga maar raha hai toh accha hi hai team ke liye. Main bola, ‘Bhai tu lagaate reh’. Agar wicket gira dusre end pe, main sambhalta hoon. Rotate karunga,” the southpaw noted as quoted by the Indian Express.

Kishan’s aggression did not fade even affter the Powerplay, as he went on to anchor the innings through the middle overs, ensuring India maintained momentum. His 44-ball 77 earned him the Player of the Match award and powered India to their highest-ever total against Pakistan in T20 World Cups across nine meetings.

Pakistan’s response never gathered momentum, as India’s bowlers capitalised by taking early wickets in powerplay. Just two overs into their innings, Pakistan lost three wickets and eventually bundled out 114 in 18 overs, their joint-lowest total against India in T20 World Cup history to seal a commanding victory.

Reflecting on his approach after the match, Kishan admitted the surface demanded clarity of intent and belief in one’s strengths.

“The wicket was not that easy. Sometimes, you just have to believe and focus on your strengths. Was just watching the ball, sticking to my strengths and making them run as much as possible. I did work a lot on my off-side game, so then I can have them bowl where I want them to bowl. On a big ground, you get bigger gaps. Trying to hit the gaps, trying to take two runs. Knew we had to put up a total like 160-170, which would be a good total for us,” he said.