India crush Pakistan in marquee T20 World Cup game - No handshakes again

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka:

Archrivals India and Pakistan declined to shake hands before and after the most-anticipated game of cricket's Twenty20 World Cup, with India easily winning by 61 runs on Sunday to secure their Super 8 spot.

India opener Ishan Kishan scored 77 off 40 deliveries in a match in Colombo which almost didn't take place after Pakistan had threatened a boycott earlier this month before reversing their decision.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and India captain Suryakumar Yadav didn't shake hands at the toss, which Pakistan won and chose to field. India and Pakistan players had refused to shake hands at last year's acrimonious Asia Cup tournament in the United Arab Emirates that took place amid diplomatic and military tensions between the two neighbours.

India made a competitive 175-7 on a sticky pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. Despite the heavy defeat, Pakistan can still advance from Group A. They play Namibia in their last group game.

Sunday's game was the first time the teams have met since the Asia Cup, won by India.

Agha's decision to bowl first surprised many because the ground has a history of not favouring run chases.

"Our bowlers didn't bowl well according to the situation and when it came to batting we didn't apply ourselves, they didn't give us a chance to go deep in the game," Agha said.

Yadav was pleased with how losing the toss had turned out.

"Batting first was a better option on this wicket," he said.

AMERICAN HOPES

Sanjay Krishnamurthi kept American hopes of Super 8 qualification alive with a maiden T20 half-century - 68 not out off 33 balls - against Namibia in their Group A clash.

Skipper Monank Patel also scored 52 off 30 balls as the United States notched up their tournament highest score - 199-4 in 20 overs.

In reply, Namibia were restricted to 168-6, losing their third game and are now eliminated from the competition.

- AP