Chhatarpur, February 16 – As India thrashed Pakistan in a high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, on Monday linked the sporting victory to India's overall spirit of strength and resilience, stating that the Indian Army had already given a fitting response to the enemy during 'Operation Sindoor', and now Indian cricketers had delivered an equally strong response on the field.
Addressing his followers, Shastri said he had received "good news for the entire country" and expressed happiness over the team's dominant win against their arch-rivals.
"The Indian Army gave a strong response to the enemy during 'Operation Sindoor'. The Indian players also delivered a fitting response to Pakistan on the cricket field," he said, eliciting loud cheers from the crowd.
Congratulating the players, coaching staff, and support personnel, Shastri said the victory carried special emotional significance for Indians.
"I want to extend my congratulations to the players, members, and coach. It doesn't matter if India loses to any country, but we should always win against Pakistan. We will tell Pakistan, 'You are the one who should be respected'," he remarked.
He also emphasized that the credit belonged solely to the players who performed under pressure.
"You will say, 'Guruji, your contribution', but I will say 'no'. It was the players who played really well. There was no contribution from our side. I only prayed. The Indian cricketers played, that's why they are winning," he added.
India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to secure a spot in the Super 8. Chasing 176, Pakistan were bowled out for 114. Usman Khan top-scored with 44, while Shaheen Shah Afridi remained unbeaten on 23 and Shadab Khan made 14.
This was the biggest margin of victory in an India-Pakistan T20I encounter. The win also pushed Pakistan down to third position in Group A, behind Team USA, due to net run rate.
India, who posted 175-7 after losing the toss, were powered by Ishan Kishan's blistering 77 off 40 balls. Hardik Pandya (2-16) sealed the win in the 18th over, dismissing Usman Tariq for a duck, as the contest ended with a familiar result in world cricket's fiercest rivalry.
