India vs Pakistan T20 long-awaited rivalry is returning in the 2026 World Cup. In a Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2026, the two Asian powerhouses will compete at R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, February 15.
Two traditional rivals are on 4 points each, but the men in blue lead the group with +3.050 NRR before the Colombo clash.
While Suryakumar Yadav and Co. enter the game on the back of an easy 93-run win over Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Conversely, Pakistan defeated the United States by 32 runs in Colombo at their last game.
The India vs Pakistan match weather could play spoiler, with a 55% rain chance threatening the evening kickoff. Still, the India vs Pakistan live action promises tactical warfare between spin-heavy attacks and explosive batting lineups, as fans worldwide tune in for the India vs Pakistan today spectacle that defines cricket rivalry.
Table of Contents
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Venue, Tickets, Live Streaming
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Start Time: 7:00 PM local (1:30 PM GMT)
- Toss: 6:30 PM local
- Group: Group A
- Current Standings: Pakistan (1st), India (2nd)
- Tickets: BookMyShow
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Pitch Report of Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium
The R Premadasa track historically favors spinners through the middle overs while offering early swing for pacers. First innings scores typically range between 160 and 175, making this a balanced battleground.
The toss gains significance under lights, as evening dew aids stroke-making for teams batting second. Pacers extract bounce early, but a slow turn dominates from over seven onwards. Pakistan’s spin-heavy setup and India’s wrist-spin arsenal both align perfectly with these conditions, setting up a tactical chess match.
India vs Pakistan match Weather
- Temperature: High of 31°C during the day, dropping to 27°C in the evening.
- Rain Chance: 49% to 59% probability during the day, decreasing to 9% to 13% during match hours.
- Humidity: High at 75% to 77%.
- Wind: North-East winds at approximately 9 kmph.
- Conditions: 100% cloud cover expected with a risk of scattered thunderstorms before the 7:00 PM start.
Team News
India welcomes back Abhishek Sharma after illness, likely replacing Sanju Samson for powerplay firepower. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed full squad fitness, though rain could force tactical rethinks.
Pakistan carries no injury concerns, with Shaheen Afridi shaking off his USA performance rust. Both camps held extended spin bowling sessions on Friday, signaling the middle-overs emphasis. India faces a selection dilemma between three spinners or extra batting depth through Washington Sundar.
Pakistan confirmed their five-pronged spin attack featuring Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and part-timer Saim Ayub.
Probable Playing XIs
India:
Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh / Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav / Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed / Naseem Shah
Detailed Ind vs Pak T20I Head-to-Head Match Results
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 28, 2025 | Asia Cup (Final) | Dubai | India | 5 wickets |
| Sep 21, 2025 | Asia Cup (Super 4) | Dubai | India | 6 wickets |
| Sep 14, 2025 | Asia Cup | Dubai | India | 7 wickets |
| Jun 09, 2024 | T20 World Cup | New York | India | 6 runs |
| Oct 23, 2022 | T20 World Cup | Melbourne | India | 4 wickets |
| Sep 04, 2022 | Asia Cup | Dubai | Pakistan | 5 wickets |
| Aug 28, 2022 | Asia Cup | Dubai | India | 5 wickets |
| Oct 24, 2021 | T20 World Cup | Dubai | Pakistan | 10 wickets |
| Mar 19, 2016 | T20 World Cup | Kolkata | India | 6 wickets |
| Feb 27, 2016 | Asia Cup | Mirpur | India | 5 wickets |
| Mar 21, 2014 | T20 World Cup | Mirpur | India | 7 wickets |
| Dec 28, 2012 | Bilateral Series | Ahmedabad | India | 11 runs |
| Dec 25, 2012 | Bilateral Series | Bengaluru | Pakistan | 5 wickets |
| Sep 30, 2012 | T20 World Cup | Colombo | India | 8 wickets |
| Sep 24, 2007 | T20 World Cup (Final) | Johannesburg | India | 5 runs |
| Sep 14, 2007 | T20 World Cup | Durban | India | Bowl-out |
3 Tactical Keys
Powerplay Battle: Abhishek vs Shaheen
Abhishek Sharma’s return sets up a grudge match with Shaheen Afridi. The opener smashed the left-armer during Asia Cup encounters, including a first-ball six. Mohammed Amir labeled Abhishek a “slogger,” while Umar Gul suggested targeting his right shoulder with bouncers.
Shaheen looked rusty against the USA but cannot be dismissed. This early exchange could swing momentum decisively. If Abhishek survives the new ball, India’s platform strengthens. If Shaheen strikes early, Pakistan’s spinners gain breathing room.
Middle Overs Spin War: Dube vs Pakistan’s Five Spinners
Shivam Dube’s ability to dismantle spin defines India’s middle-overs success. Pakistan deploys Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and Saim Ayub to choke runs between overs 7-15. Imad Wasim warned that aggressive batting could backfire against this spin web.
Dube’s strike rate against legspin and offspin will be tested severely. Pakistan’s spinners bowl extended net sessions targeting left-handers, preparing specifically for this matchup. India’s entire innings flow hinges on Dube’s counter-attack.
Death Bowling Superiority: Bumrah’s Experience vs Pakistan’s Finishers
Jasprit Bumrah’s yorker mastery gives India a massive advantage in the death overs. His economy and wicket-taking in pressure situations remain unmatched.
Pakistan’s aggressive finishers like Salman Agha and Shadab Khan must navigate Bumrah’s variations while maintaining strike rotation. Arshdeep Singh provides backup, making India’s death bowling arguably the tournament’s strongest.
Pakistan’s pacers Shaheen and Naseem lack similar control, potentially leaking runs if India bats second.
Players to Watch
- Suryakumar Yadav (India):
The captain’s 360-degree shot-making and 171.42 strike rate make him India’s tactical anchor. His ability to manipulate Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack through the middle overs could define the chase or set a defendable total. Unusual shots against legspin and offspin keep bowlers guessing.
- Varun Chakravarthy (India):
With 4 wickets at 5.17 economy, the mystery spinner thrives on Colombo surfaces. His control through overs 7-15 directly counters Pakistan’s batting strength. Variations in pace and flight could expose Pakistan’s middle order, which struggles against quality wrist-spin.
- Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan):
Leading Pakistan’s wicket charts with 3 scalps at 6.62 economy, the legspinner represents their primary weapon. His googly and flipper variations create pressure, forcing mistakes. Against India’s powerful batting, Abrar’s middle-overs spell could determine whether Pakistan defends or restricts successfully.
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan):
The left-arm quick’s ability to swing the new ball gives Pakistan early breakthroughs. His yorker execution at the death remains crucial against India’s lower order. Rivalry experience and big-match temperament could prove decisive in powerplay exchanges with Abhishek Sharma.
Prediction
India enters as the marginal favorites based on recent head-to-head dominance and superior death bowling depth. Their five-match winning streak against Pakistan builds psychological advantage, while Bumrah’s closing experience provides a tactical edge.
However, Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack perfectly suits Colombo’s conditions, and their unbeaten tournament run carries momentum. The toss becomes critical due to the evening dew aiding chasing teams. Rain interruptions favor Pakistan’s spin web in shortened games.
India’s batting depth and bowling variety should prevail in a full match, but Pakistan’s home-ground comfort in subcontinental conditions keeps this contest razor-tight. Expect a thriller decided in the final three overs.
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