As the Indian cricket fans on social media platforms are saying, Pakistan was prepared for Abhishek Sharma, but Ishan Kishan came out of the syllabus.
After the duck of Abhishek Sharma, Kishan was on a rampage at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Jharkhand-born registered the fastest ever half-century in the history of India-Pakistan rivalry on the evening of February 15.
Ishan Kishan ran a rampage in Colombo
The weather forecast predicted rain throughout the day; in reality, it was raining runs from Ishan Kishan’s bat. The left-handed batter touched the 50-run mark in only 27 balls in the T20 World Cup 2026 match for the group stage. It was his first ever fifty against Pakistan as well.
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Because of the rampage, Team India was able to quickly recollect themselves after sustaining the early blow in the form of Abhishek Sharma. From 1/1 in the first over to 88 for 2 in 8.4 overs, the Men in Blue scored 87 runs at a rapid pace. Kishan’s timely knock continued for 77 runs against 44 balls. His swashbuckling innings was decorated with ten 4s and three 6s, with a strike rate of 192.5.
Ishan disrupted India-Pakistan record
It was the fastest ever half-century recorded in an India vs Pakistan match. In the process, the keeper-batter surpassed the previous record holders in the list. He left behind Iftikhar Ahmed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Virat Kohli, and Gautam Gambhir to place himself at the top of the ladder.
In 2022, Ahmed completed his half-century in 32 balls; Misbah needed 33 deliveries to do that in 2007. Before Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli was holding the record for smashing the fastest half-century as an Indian cricketer against Pakistan. Kohli achieved the feat in 2016, facing 36 balls. Gautam Gambhir, currently head coach of Team India, scored a half-century in 38 balls back in 2007.
Meanwhile, India won the match with ease. They posted a total of 175 in exchange for 7 wickets, and Pakistan, in reply, claimed only 114 runs against all of their batters in 18 overs. Which means India, the defending champion, won the contest on February 15, 2026, by 61 runs. Ishan Kishan was named as the best player of the match for his difference-making 77-run innings.
After the match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the keeper-batter for the unmatchable effort. With this win, India claimed three wins in three back-to-back matches in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Fastest half-centuries in the history of the India vs Pakistan match:
| Batter’s Name | Team | Balls Faced | Year of the Match |
| Ishan Kishan | India | 27 | 2026 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | Pakistan | 32 | 2022 |
| Misbah-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 33 | 2007 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 36 | 2016 |
| Gautam Gambhir | India | 38 | 2007 |
