What they said as India beat Pakistan at T20 World Cup – reaction

COLOMBO (AFP) – India thrashed Pakistan by 61 runs in a blockbuster T20 World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday to book their spot in the Super Eights stage of the tournament.

AFP Sport picks out some of the best reaction:

"I think this is for India. We played the same brand of cricket that we wanted to play. Batting first was the better option on this wicket."

-- India captain Suryakumar Yadav

"We believed in our spinners and they had an off day today. Execution was missing when it came to bowling. We (still) believe in our spinners, they've done well in the last six months. "

-- Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha

"Ishan (Kishan) thought out of the box. After 0-1, someone had to take responsibility and the way he took it was amazing."

-- Suryakumar

"India v Pakistan, it's always a special game, not only for us but also for our country as well."

-- India's man-of-the-match Ishan Kishan

"Winning this against Pakistan will give us a lot of confidence going ahead in the tournament and we will look to keep the momentum going."

-- Kishan

"There was slight nervousness. But I focused on one ball at a time. The way Ishan batted was brilliant. I told him: 'just keep playing the way you are'."

-- India's Tilak Varma

"It was a no contest. Indian bowlers bowled better. You have to hit the pitch and that's how Hardik Pandya started off with the ball. And (Jasprit) Bumrah is a class apart."

-- Anil Kumble, India spin great on ESPNcricinfo

"India seem to intimidate Pakistan on the cricket field .. they are so much better in all facets of the game & such a better mentality of coping with the huge occasion."

-- Former England captain Michaal Vaughan on X