India, Feb. 16 -- With six spinners in the line-up, Pakistan appeared to have the perfect arsenal to challenge India and revive a cricket rivalry that has often felt one-sided in recent ICC events. But in the high-stakes T20 World Cup clash, a series of tactical calls backfired as the defending champions secured another commanding win, sealing a 61-run victory at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday to book their place in the Super Eight stage.

While many observers termed the decisions costly blunders, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson refused to frame them that way, insisting instead that Ishan Kishan's brilliance proved decisive.

The Indian opener smashed 77 off 40 balls, striking 10 boundaries and three sixes on a tacky Colombo surf...