IND vs PAK Clash Sees Pakistan’s 18-Over Spin Strategy Join T20 WC Record Books

Pakistan scripted a unique record in T20 World Cup history by bowling 18 overs of spin against India during their Group A clash in Colombo on Sunday, equalling the highest number of spin overs delivered in a single innings in the tournament.

The Salman Agha-led side relied heavily on their spin attack at the R Premadasa Stadium, sending down 18 overs of spin, the joint-most in a T20 World Cup innings. The only other instance of a team bowling 18 overs of spin in the tournament came when Pakistan used the same tactic against Australia at the same venue during the 2012 edition.

This latest effort adds to Pakistan’s history of spin-dominated strategies on slow surfaces. In 2026, they also bowled 16 overs of spin against the USA. Afghanistan have previously featured in spin-heavy outings as well, bowling 16 overs of spin against England in Delhi in 2016 and repeating the feat against West Indies in Nagpur the same year.

Beyond World Cup matches, the 18-over spin spell also places this contest among the most spin-reliant innings in all T20 Internationals between full-member teams. Zimbabwe bowled 18 overs of spin against West Indies in Port of Spain in 2010, while Pakistan’s 18 overs against Australia in 2012 remains one of the most notable examples. New Zealand’s 17 overs of spin against India in Lucknow in 2023 is also among the highest in T20I history.

In the match, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first on a surface that appeared slow and tacky. India posted a competitive 175/7 in their 20 overs, powered by a commanding 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan. Captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 off 29 balls with three fours, while Shivam Dube added 27 off 17 deliveries, including three boundaries and a six.

Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Saim Ayub stood out with figures of 3/25 in his four overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed 1/31 in two overs, Usman Tariq returned 1/24 in four overs, and skipper Salman Agha chipped in with 1/10 in two overs as Pakistan’s spin-heavy approach etched its name into the T20 World Cup record books.