India and Pakistan meet for the first time in T20 World Cup history at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on February 15, 2026. Both teams have won their opening two matches and sit on 4 points, making this a virtual Group A final at 7:00 PM IST (7:45 PM NPT).
The winner tops the group and secures a favorable draw in the Super 8. India leads on net run rate (+1.85) ahead of Pakistan (+1.62).
Historic First Meeting: Winner Takes All in Group A
India and Pakistan have never faced each other in a T20 World Cup despite decades of rivalry. This marks their 17th T20I overall. India holds a dominant head-to-head record with 12 wins in 16 matches. Pakistan has won just 3 times with 1 tie.
The last meeting in 2025 saw India win by 6 wickets. Pakistan’s most recent victory came in the 2022 Asia Cup.
Expected Team Selections Favor Spin
India’s Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed two changes from the previous match. Abhishek Sharma returns while Kuldeep Yadav is expected to replace Arshdeep Singh for added spin on Colombo’s turning pitch. The official Playing XI will be announced at the toss.
Pakistan’s Probable XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq, Naseem Shah
Pakistan is expected to include mystery spinner Usman Tariq for the first time in this tournament. The spinner would give Pakistan three spin options alongside Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. Final team composition will be confirmed at 6:30 PM IST (7:15 PM NPT).
Where to Watch the India Vs Pakistan Match
Global streaming is available on Disney+ Hotstar with a subscription. The ICC.tv app offers free streaming in select Asian regions. UK viewers can use the Sky Go app, while US fans can watch via Sling TV or the Willow TV app. All platforms provide HD quality with live commentary.
Colombo Pitch to Assist Spinners
R. Premadasa Stadium offers a slow, spin-friendly surface. Average first innings scores in recent T20Is range from 158 to 165.
Early swing assists pacers for 3-4 overs before spinners dominate. Dew in the second innings favors chasing teams—7 of the last 10 T20Is here were won batting second. The toss at 6:30 PM IST (7:15 PM NPT) becomes crucial. Both captains will likely field first if winning the toss.
Key Battles Between India and Pakistan
Jasprit Bumrah versus Pakistan’s openers sets the early tone. Bumrah’s powerplay spell could determine Pakistan’s start. Babar Azam faces India’s wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. The Pakistan star must anchor the innings against quality spin.
Shaheen Shah Afridi targets Suryakumar Yadav. The left-arm quick has dismissed the India captain before. Usman Tariq’s mystery spin against India’s batsmen is the wildcard. India has no data on Pakistan’s debutant spinner.
What’s at Stake
The winner tops Group A and avoids stronger opponents in Super 8. The loser faces a tougher knockout path. India aims to maintain their recent dominance. Pakistan seeks to break a losing streak and prove its 2021 World Cup win was no fluke.
Clear weather with temperatures of 28-30°C ensures no interruptions. Match officials include Chris Gaffaney and Nitin Menon.
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