‘Suryakumar Yadav ne tamacha mara’: Ex-PAK player slams team after India’s 61-run win, points to Tilak Varma–Rinku Singh

In the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, Suryakumar Yadav also used part-time bowlers Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh, with the former taking a wicket.

Published on: Feb 17, 2026, 07:22:38 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs on February 15, and it was a one-sided affair for Suryakumar Yadav and Co. In the pre-match conversation, the main focus was on India's bowling line-up. The Indian bowlers dominated against Pakistan, showing depth in the department. The Pakistan batters struggled against both pacers and spinners.

India's Tilak Varma celebrates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Shadab Khan. (AFP)

In the 13th over, Suryakumar opted for part-time bowler Tilak Varma, who removed Shadab Khan in the first delivery as Pakistan fell to 78/7. Suryakumar also used Rinku Singh after Tilak, and the KKR star conceded nine runs.

Also Read: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi set to be dropped; Pakistan's defeat against India to trigger cascading effect: Report

Basit Ali slams Pakistan

Reacting to Suryakumar's move, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali said on Game On Hai, "Surya ne jo sabse jor se tamacha mara hai na, jab usne Rinku aur Tilak Varma ko bowling karayi hai (Surya has slapped hard by bowling Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh)."

"This is the value of Pakistan’s cricket. I’m not talking about Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah or Varun Chakaravarthy," he added.

Chasing 176, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy taking two-wicket hauls respectively. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak each took a dismissal. Only four batters managed to get double-digit scores, and Usman Khan top-scored for his side with a knock of 44 runs off 34 balls. He lost his wicket to Axar. Meanwhile, the top order saw openers Sahibzada Farhan get dismissed for a four-ball duck.

Meanwhile, his opening partner, Saim Ayub, was removed for six off two balls. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, at no. 3, was removed for four off four balls. On the other hand, Babar Azam lost his wicket for five off seven deliveries.

Initially, India posted 175/7 in 20 overs as Ishan Kishan smacked 77 off 40 balls, laced with 10 fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Suryakumar registered 32 off 29 balls.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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