'Rivalry, what rivalry?': Cricket Fraternity Reacts to India’s Big Win vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup

India’s emphatic 61-run victory over Pakistan in Colombo at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup not only extended their dominance to an 8-1 head-to-head record but also sparked widespread reactions, bold predictions, and candid reflections from both camps.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan summed up the gulf between the sides with a sharp post, while ex-opener Wasim Jaffer and former England captain Michael Vaughan highlighted India’s superior temperament.

Ex-India batter Mohammad Kaif questioned Pakistan’s lone win in the rivalry, while Sri Lanka veteran Angelo Mathews praised the electrifying Colombo atmosphere. Similar sentiments were echoed by Manoj Tiwary, Harbhajan Singh, analyst Sanjay Manjrekar, former opener Aakash Chopra and ex-captain Shikhar Dhawan. Kaif commented on the overall head-to-head record, saying: "Now I believe that the one Pakistan win in the 1-8 scoreline against India was also a fluke. Honestly."

Mathews praised the atmosphere and India's performance: "Colombo was lit tonight but India were too good for Pakistan. A convincing win by them." Tiwary wrote: "Rivalry! What Rivalry?? Another thumping win over Pakistan in an ICC event! It started off by Ishan Kishan and then finished it off at ease by the bowlers! Well done #TeamIndia. On to the next one."

Harbhajan echoed similar sentiments: "Team India well done. India vs Pakistan is only hype no contest. Fan made rivalry but one way traffic on the field ..... Again. JAI HIND."

Manjrekar acknowledged Pakistan's spin effort but stressed the gap between the teams. "Pak spin made the match a little more interesting than usual but the gap between the two teams remain the same... wide."

Chopra posted on X, "8-1." Ex-India batter Shikhar Dhawan praised the team's character on the big stage, writing: "That's how you show character on the big stage. Complete team effort. Big win."

What did BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla say?

Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, hailed the victory as a major statement and expressed confidence that India could go on to lift the trophy.

He credited the team’s depth and consistency, highlighting how different players have stepped up in crucial moments, making India one of the strongest sides in the tournament. "Winning against Pakistan by such a huge margin, I think it is a huge achievement, and today I am fully confident that the way our boys played, we will win the World Cup as well. Sometimes Ishan Kishan performs, sometimes Abhishek performs, all the boys perform. So we have such a strong team that we will definitely win the World Cup," Rajiv Shukla told the reporters after the match.

Match Recap: Kishan Leads, Bowlers Seal the Deal

After Pakistan opted to field, India lost Abhishek Sharma early, but Ishan Kishan produced a ruthless 77, supported by Tilak Varma.

Late contributions from Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh and others pushed India to 175/7, despite resistance from Pakistan bowler Saim Ayub.

In reply, Pakistan collapsed to 34/4 under pressure from Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. Usman Khan offered brief resistance, but Pakistan were bundled out for 114. Support also came from Varun Chakaravarthy, who maintained relentless pressure.

Mike Hesson Admits Pakistan’s Failure to Adapt

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson conceded that his team failed to adjust to spin-friendly conditions and allowed India to stretch the total beyond a competitive score.

He acknowledged that execution, rather than the toss, proved decisive and defended his bowling combinations involving Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, admitting that the plans did not work on the night.

Group Standings and Road Ahead

With three wins in three matches, India sit comfortably atop Group A and have secured progression to the Super 8 stage. Pakistan, meanwhile, slip to third place and face mounting pressure in the remainder of the tournament.

The latest victory further cements India’s psychological edge in the rivalry and reinforces their status as leading contenders for the title.

(With inputs from ANI)