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IND vs PAK: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
- Fixture: India vs Pakistan
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group A
- Match: 27th Match, Group A
- Date & Time: 15 February 2026, 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Match Preview
India and Pakistan will clash in a high-pressure Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo. After weeks of uncertainty and political tension, during which Pakistan initially considered boycotting the match, both sides confirmed their participation and salvaged one of cricket’s most popular and watched competitions.
India are in strong form after a 93-run win over Namibia. Ishan Kishan scored a quick century and Hardik Pandya contributed fifty-two runs. Varun Chakravarthy was outstanding with the ball. India look sharp and confident in this encounter.
Pakistan enter with competitive momentum after scoring 190 for 9 against USA earlier in the tournament. Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam led the batting. Their bowling was disciplined throughout. Pakistan have the players and experience to win this match.
This competition carries extra weight in the World Cup. Both teams have a rich history in global tournaments. Matches between India and Pakistan produce tense cricket that is watched by the whole world. With both teams off to a good start, this match will have a big impact on the Group A standings and the Super Eight qualification route.
IND vs PAK – Head to Head (T20Is)
| Format | Matches | IND Won | PAK Won | Tied | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 13 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Note: Before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, 13 T20 International matches were played between India and Pakistan. Out of which India won 9, Pakistan won 3 and 1 match ended in a tie (India won in a bowl-out).
IND vs PAK – Squad List
| No. | India Player | Role | Pakistan Player | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Batter | Salman Agha (c) | Allrounder |
| 2 | Axar Patel (vc) | Allrounder | Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
| 3 | Abhishek Sharma | Batting allrounder | Babar Azam | Batter |
| 4 | Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | Faheem Ashraf | Bowling allrounder |
| 5 | Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler | Fakhar Zaman | Opening batter |
| 6 | Shivam Dube | Allrounder | Khawaja Nafay | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 7 | Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper batter | Mohammad Nawaz | Allrounder |
| 8 | Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| 9 | Mohammed Siraj | Bowler | Sahibzada Farhan | Middle-order batter |
| 10 | Hardik Pandya | Allrounder | Saim Ayub | Allrounder |
| 11 | Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper batter | Salman Mirza | Bowler |
| 12 | Rinku Singh | Middle-order batter | Shadab Khan | Allrounder |
| 13 | Tilak Varma | Batting allrounder | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler |
| 14 | Varun Chakravarthy | Bowler | Usman Khan | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 15 | Washington Sundar | Bowling allrounder | Usman Tariq | Bowler |
Pitch Report – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Pitch Nature | Balanced surface with slight batting advantage |
| Batting Support | Batters can score freely once settled |
| New Ball Behaviour | Seamers can get good bounce and carry early |
| Spin Factor | Spinners effective in middle overs |
| Match Pattern | Competitive totals expected |
| Average T20 Score Range | 160–185 |
| Toss Strategy | Batting first often preferred |
| Safe / Defending Score | 170+ usually competitive |
Team Analysis
India
India have explosive batting depth with Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya all capable of changing a match in a few overs. Their bowling variety includes experienced pacers and Varun Chakravarthy’s mysterious spin that poses problems for any batting lineup. Their fielding and fitness levels are exceptional.
When the match gets tight, their inconsistency under pressure in the middle overs becomes a concern. Fitness updates about Abhishek Sharma in this crucial game have been a topic of discussion.
Key players to watch include Suryakumar Yadav who is the captain and has the big game temperament that India needs in high-pressure situations. Ishan Kishan is a dynamic top-order attacker who can destroy the powerplay. Varun Chakravarthy is a spin match-winner who confuses the batsmen. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah provide the strike pace.
Pakistan
Pakistan have a talented batting core with Saim Ayub and Salman Agha and Babar Azam providing experience and quality throughout their lineup. Their wicket taking bowlers including Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz can apply pressure across different phases of innings. They are proven in big match situations.
Their concerns are occasional slow scoring in powerplay overs that allows opposition bowlers to settle. Pressure situations can sometimes impact their decision making in crucial moments.
Key players to watch are Saim Ayub who is a stylish top order run scorer capable of setting up big totals. Salman Agha brings consistent batting with a high strike rate. Abrar Ahmed is the premier spinner with the ability to take key wickets at any stage. Mohammad Nawaz provides genuine all round threat.
Toss Prediction
R. Premadasa Stadium, under lights, prefers to score on a flat surface. The captain who wins the toss may choose to bat first to put runs on the board. Scoreboard pressure is important in India Pakistan matches where nerves significantly affect the chasing teams. Both captains know this history well.
Cricbites Match Prediction
| Team | Winning Chance (%) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| India | 60% | Strong recent form, bowling depth, and rich big-match experience |
| Pakistan | 40% | Capable batting lineup and match-winning bowlers |
Cricbites Prediction: India will win, given their depth and pace, but Pakistan’s proven match nature and balance could easily sway the competition on their day.
Final Thoughts
The India vs Pakistan clash in the World Cup is always the biggest day of cricket. It is set to be a thrilling match in Colombo. Expect high-quality strokeplay in the Powerplay. Expect strategic spin battles in the middle overs. Expect thrilling death over drama that will keep every spectator holding their breath till the last ball.
Both the teams are unbeatable. Both know that a win here will take them into the Super Eights. India’s experience and current form give them a slight edge but Pakistan’s all-round strength makes every prediction uncertain. These matches are never decided on paper.
Read More: USA vs NAM : ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
Disclaimer
This preview and prediction is based on verified team information, recent performances, historical context and expected pitch behaviour. Cricket remains unpredictable. Actual results may vary depending on toss results, weather conditions and individual talent on match day.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the captain of India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
India’s captain in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Suryakumar Yadav.
Q2. Who is the captain of Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
Pakistan’s captain in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Salman Ali Agha.
Q3. When and at what time will the IND vs PAK match be played?
India will face Pakistan on 15 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST.
Q4. Where is the match being played?
The IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Q5. What is the match number of IND vs PAK in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
This match is the 27th match in the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
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