Afghanistan Fans Erupt in Celebration as India Defeats Pakistan in T20 World Cup Thriller

New Delhi, February 16, 2026: In a spectacle that transcended the traditional boundaries of sports rivalry, the streets of various Afghan cities and social media feeds were set ablaze with celebration on Sunday night. The catalyst? India’s commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in the group-stage clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

While Indian fans across the globe were expectedly jubilant, the sight of Afghan supporters dancing to the beats of the Attan and waving flags in support of the “Men in Blue” added a unique geopolitical and emotional layer to the high-octane encounter.

A Night of Dominance at R. Premadasa

The match, held at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, saw India post a formidable total of 175/7. The innings was anchored by a blistering 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan, whose aggressive stroke play dismantled the Pakistani pace attack.

In response, Pakistan’s chase never truly found its rhythm. The Indian bowling unit, led by the clinical Jasprit Bumrah (2/17) and a disciplined Hardik Pandya, stifled the Pakistani batters from the onset. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 114, handing India a massive victory and securing their spot in the Super Eight stage.

Why Afghanistan is Celebrating India’s Win

The “neighborly” celebration from Afghanistan isn’t a new phenomenon, but it has intensified in recent years due to a blend of sporting camaraderie and complex regional ties.

• Shared History and Support: India has long been a pillar of support for Afghan cricket. From providing home grounds in Greater Noida and Dehradun to training facilities and coaching staff, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has played a pivotal role in the rise of the “Blue Tigers.”
• The “Afghan Jalebi” Connection: Following the win, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan went viral for the second time, sharing a video of himself dancing to the popular track ‘Afghan Jalebi’. This has become a symbolic gesture of the bond between Indian players and Afghan fans, dating back to Rashid Khan and Pathan’s famous dance during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
• Regional Rivalries: Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan—both on the pitch and across the border—have often led Afghan fans to root for India in the “Mother of all Battles.”

Viral Moments: Celebrations Beyond Borders

Videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram showed groups of Afghan youths in Kabul and other regions cheering as the final Pakistani wicket fell. One viral clip, shared by Afghan influencer Wazhma Ayoubi, showed fans ecstatically celebrating the victory with the caption “Afghanistan celebrating Pakistan’s defeat.”

“It feels like our own team won,” said one fan in a video from a local cafe in Kabul. “India has always stood by our cricket, and today they showed why they are the best.”

The Road Ahead

While India marches into the Super Eights with a perfect record, Afghanistan faces a tougher climb. Despite their fans’ joy at the rival’s defeat, the Afghan national team is currently reeling from a heartbreaking double Super Over loss to South Africa. Skipper Rashid Khan recently expressed the need for more bilateral exposure against top-tier teams to handle such high-pressure moments.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 progresses, the “India-Afghanistan” bond remains one of the most heartwarming narratives of the tournament, proving that cricket is often more than just a game—it’s a bridge between nations.