New Delhi | February 16, 2026: India’s dominant win over Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 triggered strong reactions across the cricket world. Several former cricketers and experts praised India’s all-round performance and highlighted the growing gap between the two arch-rivals in ICC tournaments.

With the emphatic victory, India extended its T20 World Cup head-to-head record against Pakistan to 8-1.

Irfan Pathan Says India vs Pakistan Is “Zameen Aasman”

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan summed up the one-sided nature of the contest in a post on X.

“India vs Pakistan cricket? Zameen. Aasman,” Pathan wrote.

Wasim Jaffer Takes a Swipe at Pakistan Fans

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer reacted with humour after Pakistan suffered another defeat against India in an ICC event.

“Pak fans after suffering yet another embarrassing defeat to India,” Jaffer posted on X.

Pak fans after suffering yet another embarrassing defeat to India 😅 #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/tlzqm0n2NE

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 15, 2026

Michael Vaughan Highlights India’s Big-Match Mentality

Former England captain Michael Vaughan pointed out India’s strong temperament in pressure matches.

“India seem to intimidate Pakistan on the cricket field. They are so much better in all facets of the game and have such a better mentality of coping with the huge occasion,” Vaughan wrote.

Mohammad Kaif Calls Pakistan’s One Win a ‘Fluke’

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif commented on the 8-1 record and questioned Pakistan’s lone victory.

“Now I believe that the one Pakistan win in the 1-8 scoreline against India was also a fluke. Honestly,” Kaif said.

Angelo Mathews Praises India’s Performance in Colombo

Sri Lanka veteran Angelo Mathews praised the match atmosphere in Colombo and credited India for their convincing win.

“Colombo was lit tonight but India were too good for Pakistan. A convincing win by them,” Mathews posted.

Harbhajan, Manoj Tiwary, Dhawan Praise Team India

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary called it another thumping victory and praised Ishan Kishan’s role in setting up the match.

Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh echoed similar views and said the rivalry is more hype than contest on the field.

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan praised India’s character on the big stage and called it a complete team effort.

Sanjay Manjrekar Points to the Gap Between the Teams

Cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar acknowledged Pakistan’s spin bowling effort but stressed that the gap between the teams remains wide.

Aakash Chopra Posts “8-1” After India’s Win

Former India opener Aakash Chopra posted a simple “8-1” on X, referring to India’s dominant head-to-head record over Pakistan in T20 World Cups.

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India Beat Pakistan by 61 Runs in Colombo

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. India posted 175/7 despite losing early wickets.

After Abhishek Sharma got out for a duck, Ishan Kishan smashed 77 off 40 balls. Tilak Varma also contributed with 25. India slipped to 126/4, losing set batters and all-rounder Hardik Pandya for a duck.

Later, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh finished strongly in difficult conditions.

In the chase, Pakistan collapsed early to 34/4. Usman Khan fought with 44, but the rest of the batting lineup failed.

India bowled Pakistan out for 114 in 18 overs, winning by 61 runs and qualifying for the Super 8 stage with three wins in three matches.

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