India, Feb. 15 -- Much of the spotlight in Colombo on the eve of India-Pakistan centred around the weather, and whether Abhishek Sharma would turn up fit for the blockbuster clash.

On the day, however, none of that mattered, for his opening partner, Ishan Kishan, turned up at his best while creating a storm of his own.

India's keeper-batter made the difference between the two teams with his breathtaking shot-making on a tricky pitch where most other batters struggled for rhythm.

Powered by a 40-ball 77 from the pocket-dynamo, India drubbed Pakistan by 61 runs in the Group A league match of the ICC Men's World Cup game to retain the bragging rights between the two arch-rivals.

Put into bat on the slow surface of the R Premadasa Stadium...