In a thrilling league stage encounter of the 2026 T20 World Cup on Sunday, February 15, Ishan Kishan scripted history by smashing a blistering 77 runs off just 40 balls against Pakistan, eclipsing Gautam Gambhir's long-standing record for the highest score by an Indian left-hander in T20Is against their arch-rivals.
Coming to the crease after India lost the early wicket of Abhishek Sharma, the left-handed opener unleashed havoc on the Pakistani bowlers. Kishan bludgeoned his way to a strike rate of 192.50, peppering the boundary with 10 fours and 3 sixes. His explosive innings formed the backbone of an 87-run second-wicket partnership with Tilak Varma, propelling India to a formidable total of 175.
Kishan's fiery knock came to an end at the hands of Saim Ayub, who claimed a three-wicket haul. No other Indian batter could match the Mumbaikar's aggression, with Tilak Varma laboring to 25 runs off 24 balls, Suryakumar Yadav scoring 32 off 29 deliveries, and Shivam Dube contributing a quickfire 27 off 17 balls.
The 77-run effort shattered Gambhir's previous benchmark of 75, set in the 2007 T20 World Cup final. On that occasion, Gambhir's knock helped India post 157 and secure a narrow five-run victory to clinch the inaugural T20 World Cup title, 19 years before Kishan's record-breaking performance.
While Kishan now holds the record for the highest T20I score by an Indian left-hander against Pakistan, the overall mark remains with Virat Kohli, who was unbeaten on 82* during the iconic 2022 T20 World Cup clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kohli also occupies second place with an unbeaten 78 off 61 balls while chasing 129 in another encounter.
Kishan's ascent places him third on the all-time list for Indian batters against Pakistan in T20Is, with Gambhir now in fourth position. The knock not only etched Kishan's name in the record books but also played a pivotal role in setting up India's competitive total on a high-stakes Sunday afternoon.
