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IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026: Complete Match Preview, Head-to-Head Records, and Expert Predictions
**Publication Date: February 15, 2026 | By: Senior Cricket Analyst**
The cricketing world holds its breath as arch-rivals India and Pakistan prepare to lock horns in Match 27 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo . This is more than just a group stage fixture—it is cricket's most intense rivalry, a contest that transcends sport and becomes a matter of national pride for billions across the subcontinent.
After weeks of political tension and even a brief boycott threat from Pakistan, cooler heads have prevailed, and the showpiece event is set to proceed . Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in the tournament, with India topping Group A and Pakistan sitting second . A victory here would all but guarantee progression to the Super 8 stage .
In this comprehensive preview, we delve deep into the historical head-to-head record, analyze key player battles, examine pitch and weather conditions, and provide expert predictions based on past performances and current form.
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## Table of Contents
1. [Match Details and Context](#match-details-and-context)
2. [India vs Pakistan: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Record](#india-vs-pakistan-the-ultimate-head-to-head-record)
- [Overall T20I Record](#overall-t20i-record)
- [T20 World Cup Record](#t20-world-cup-record)
- [ICC Tournament Supremacy](#icc-tournament-supremacy)
3. [Historical Milestones in IND vs PAK T20Is](#historical-milestones-in-ind-vs-pak-t20is)
- [Highest and Lowest Totals](#highest-and-lowest-totals)
- [Individual Records](#individual-records)
4. [Recent Form Guide](#recent-form-guide)
5. [Venue Analysis: R. Premadasa Stadium](#venue-analysis-r-premadasa-stadium)
- [Pitch Report](#pitch-report)
- [Weather Forecast and Rain Threat](#weather-forecast-and-rain-threat)
- [Dew Factor and Toss Decision](#dew-factor-and-toss-decision)
6. [Team News and Predicted Playing XIs](#team-news-and-predicted-playing-xis)
- [India Predicted XI](#india-predicted-xi)
- [Pakistan Predicted XI](#pakistan-predicted-xi)
7. [Key Battles That Will Decide the Match](#key-battles-that-will-decide-the-match)
- [Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi](#abhishek-sharma-vs-shaheen-afridi)
- [Babar Azam vs Jasprit Bumrah](#babar-azam-vs-jasprit-bumrah)
- [The Usman Tariq Factor](#the-usman-tariq-factor)
- [Sahibzada Farhan vs Jasprit Bumrah](#sahibzada-farhan-vs-jasprit-bumrah)
- [Hardik Pandya vs Saim Ayub](#hardik-pandya-vs-saim-ayub)
8. [Expert Predictions and Verdict](#expert-predictions-and-verdict)
- [Harbhajan Singh's Prediction](#harbhajan-singhs-prediction)
- [Nayan Mongia's Analysis](#nayan-mongias-analysis)
- [Statistical Prediction](#statistical-prediction)
- [Final Verdict](#final-verdict)
9. [Betting Odds and Tips](#betting-odds-and-tips)
10. [How to Watch: Live Streaming and TV Broadcast](#how-to-watch-live-streaming-and-tv-broadcast)
11. [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
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## Match Details and Context
| **Detail** | **Information** |
|------------|-----------------|
| **Fixture** | India vs Pakistan, Match 27, ICC T20 World Cup 2026 |
| **Date** | Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| **Venue** | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| **Time** | 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM IST) |
| **Group** | Group A |
| **India's Tournament Form** | Won vs USA (29 runs), Won vs Namibia (93 runs) |
| **Pakistan's Tournament Form** | Won vs Netherlands (3 wickets), Won vs USA (32 runs) |
The build-up to this match has been anything but ordinary. Just days ago, the fixture was in doubt after Pakistan's government ordered a boycott over security concerns raised by Bangladesh, who pulled out of the tournament . However, frantic diplomatic interventions by the ICC and Sri Lankan leadership ensured the game would proceed, much to the relief of billions of fans worldwide.
Both teams arrive at this contest in excellent form. India started their campaign with a tight 29-run victory over the USA, thanks to captain Suryakumar Yadav's brilliant 84, before demolishing Namibia by 93 runs . Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, had a nervy start against the Netherlands, scraping home by 3 wickets, but bounced back emphatically with a 32-run win over the USA .
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## India vs Pakistan: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Record
When India and Pakistan meet, statistics take on a life of their own. The numbers tell a story of dominance, resilience, and unforgettable moments.
### Overall T20I Record
Across all T20 Internationals, India holds a commanding lead:
| **Statistic** | **Details** |
|---------------|-------------|
| Matches Played | 16 |
| India Wins | 12 |
| Pakistan Wins | 3 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 0 |
Pakistan's three victories came in 2021 (T20 World Cup), and two bilateral matches, but India's 12 wins demonstrate their clear superiority in the shortest format.
### T20 World Cup Record
In the pressure cooker of World Cups, India's dominance becomes even more pronounced:
| **Statistic** | **Details** |
|---------------|-------------|
| Matches Played | 8 |
| India Wins | 7 |
| Pakistan Wins | 1 |
| Tied (India won via bowl-out) | 1 |
The only T20 World Cup match Pakistan has won against India came in 2021, a comprehensive 10-wicket victory in Dubai . Every other meeting has gone India's way, including the famous 2007 final, the 2022 MCG epic, and the 2024 low-scoring thriller in New York .
### ICC Tournament Supremacy
When expanding the analysis to all ICC events (ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy), India's psychological edge becomes overwhelming:
| **Tournament** | **Matches** | **India Won** | **Pakistan Won** |
|----------------|-------------|---------------|------------------|
| ODI World Cup | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| T20 World Cup | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| Champions Trophy | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| **Total ICC Events** | **22** | **18** | **4** |
Pakistan's most significant recent ICC victory came in the 2017 Champions Trophy Final, where they defeated India by 180 runs . However, in the 50-over World Cup, India remains unbeaten against Pakistan with a perfect 8-0 record .
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## Historical Milestones in IND vs PAK T20Is
### Highest and Lowest Totals
| **Category** | **Record** | **Details** |
|--------------|------------|-------------|
| Highest Team Total | 192/5 (India) | Ahmedabad, December 28, 2012 |
| Lowest Team Total | 83 (Pakistan) | Mirpur, February 27, 2016 (Asia Cup) |
| India's Highest in T20 World Cups | 160 | - |
| Pakistan's Highest in T20 World Cups | 159 | - |
| India's Lowest in T20 World Cups | 119 | 2024 match vs Pakistan |
| Pakistan's Lowest in T20 World Cups | 113 | - |
### Individual Records
**Most Runs in IND vs PAK T20Is**
- **Virat Kohli (India):** 492 runs in 11 innings
- The highest individual score in the rivalry also belongs to Kohli—his unbeaten 82 at the MCG in 2022 remains the stuff of legend
**Most Wickets in IND vs PAK T20Is**
- **Hardik Pandya (India):** 15 wickets in 9 innings, economy rate 7.96
- **Best Bowling Figures:** Mohammad Asif (Pakistan) – 4/18
**Last Match's Top Performers (Asia Cup 2025 Final)**
- **Top Run-Scorer:** Tilak Varma (India) – 69* off 53 balls
- **Top Wicket-Taker:** Kuldeep Yadav (India) – 4/30
---
## Recent Form Guide
Both teams enter this contest with impressive winning streaks:
| **Team** | **Last 5 Matches (Most Recent First)** |
|----------|----------------------------------------|
| India | W, W, W, W, L |
| Pakistan | W, W, W, W, W |
India's only recent blemish was a loss before the World Cup, but they have looked increasingly formidable in the tournament. Pakistan, remarkably, have won their last five T20Is, indicating they arrive in Colombo brimming with confidence .
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## Venue Analysis: R. Premadasa Stadium
### Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is one of the most distinctive venues in world cricket. Known for its massive boundaries and spin-friendly surface, it presents unique challenges for batters accustomed to flat decks .
| **Metric** | **Value** |
|------------|-----------|
| Matches Played | 51 |
| Won by Team Batting First | 22 |
| Won by Team Bowling First | 28 |
| Tied/No Result | 0/1 |
| Average Score Batting First | 150 |
| Average Score Batting Second | 132 |
| Average Run Rate | 9.32 |
**Key Characteristics:**
- **Spin-Friendly:** The pitch is slow and two-paced, offering significant assistance to spinners. The ball grips and turns, making stroke-play difficult in the middle overs
- **Pace Limitations:** Raw pace alone is ineffective. Bowlers who use cutters, slower-ball variations, and change of pace will thrive
- **Scoring Challenges:** Expect a mid-scoring thriller rather than a 200-run fest. Restricting the opposition to 140-150 is often more manageable than setting a target
- **Average First Innings Score:** 143-145, with the second innings average dropping to 128
### Weather Forecast and Rain Threat
The biggest threat to this marquee clash is the weather. The Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology has warned of a low-pressure area forming over the southeastern Bay of Bengal around match time .
| **Weather Parameter** | **Forecast** |
|----------------------|--------------|
| Temperature | 23°C - 28°C |
| Cloud Cover | 100% |
| Probability of Precipitation | 50-70% (increasing through the day) |
| Wind | ENE 9 km/h |
**Critical Note:** There is **no reserve day** for this group match. If rain washes out play, both teams will share one point each—a scenario neither side wants .
The drainage at Premadasa is world-class, so even if rain interrupts play, a shortened game remains likely. If the match is reduced, the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method will come into play, making the toss even more crucial .
### Dew Factor
In evening matches at Premadasa, dew often becomes a significant factor after 8:30 PM IST . This has major tactical implications:
- **For Spinners:** A wet ball is a nightmare. India's greatest strength—Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy—could be neutralized if dew makes gripping the ball difficult
- **For Pakistan:** Their spinners (Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan) face the same challenge
- **For Chasing Teams:** Dew makes batting easier in the second innings, as the ball skids onto the bat
**Toss Strategy:** With rain and dew both in play, the team winning the toss should **field first**. Chasing is significantly easier in rain-interrupted matches because the side batting second knows exactly what the DLS targets are at every stage . Additionally, bowling first allows spinners to use a dry ball in the first innings .
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## Team News and Predicted Playing XIs
### India Predicted XI
India faces two selection dilemmas heading into this clash. First, Abhishek Sharma has recovered from the upset stomach that kept him out of the Namibia match and is expected to return . Second, the spin-friendly conditions may prompt India to bench left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh and bring in wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav .
**Predicted India Playing XI:**
| **Position** | **Player** | **Role** | **Notes** |
|--------------|------------|----------|-----------|
| 1 | Abhishek Sharma | Opener | Returns after illness; yet to open account in tournament |
| 2 | Ishan Kishan (wk) | Opener | In fine form—first Indian keeper with T20 World Cup fifty; 81 runs in 2 innings |
| 3 | Tilak Varma | Top-order | Hero of Asia Cup 2025 final; crucial role on sticky wicket |
| 4 | Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Top-order | High on confidence after 84 vs USA; history of struggle vs Pakistan but form strong |
| 5 | Hardik Pandya | All-rounder | Sublime form after fifty vs Namibia; India's leading wicket-taker in IND vs PAK T20Is |
| 6 | Rinku Singh | Middle-order | Struggling for form (7 runs in 2 matches); retained for batting depth |
| 7 | Shivam Dube | All-rounder | Yet to fire with bat but contributes with ball as second pace option |
| 8 | Axar Patel | All-rounder | 14 runs and 4 wickets in 2 matches; bowling suits big Premadasa boundaries |
| 9 | Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | Expected to play first game of tournament; replaces Arshdeep Singh |
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler | India's premier pacer; leads attack |
| 11 | Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler | India's best bowler so far: 4 wickets in 2 innings |
**Impact Substitutions:** India may use tactical substitutions based on match situation, with Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, and Mohammed Siraj as backup options .
### Pakistan Predicted XI
Pakistan is expected to field the same XI that defeated the USA, though Fakhar Zaman remains an option to strengthen the batting .
**Predicted Pakistan Playing XI:**
| **Position** | **Player** | **Role** | **Notes** |
|--------------|------------|----------|-----------|
| 1 | Sahibzada Farhan | Opener | In superb form: 47 vs Netherlands, 73* vs USA |
| 2 | Saim Ayub | Opener | Attacking left-hander |
| 3 | Salman Ali Agha (c) | Top-order | Captain; leads from front |
| 4 | Babar Azam | Top-order | Historical struggles vs India; 18 runs off 14 balls vs Bumrah in T20Is |
| 5 | Shadab Khan | All-rounder | Key leg-spin option |
| 6 | Usman Khan (wk) | Wicket-keeper | - |
| 7 | Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder | Left-arm spin option |
| 8 | Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder | Pace-bowling all-rounder |
| 9 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler | Premier fast bowler; key powerplay weapon |
| 10 | Usman Tariq | Bowler | Mystery spinner; 7 wickets in 12 T20I overs at economy 5.92 |
| 11 | Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | Leg-spin option |
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## Key Battles That Will Decide the Match
### Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi
This powerplay contest could set the tone for the entire match. The numbers heavily favor India:
- **Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi in T20s:** 36 runs off 19 balls, strike rate 189.50, **not dismissed once**
If Abhishek can survive and dominate Shaheen's opening spell, Pakistan's entire bowling script is disrupted. The left-hander's ability to take on the left-arm quick gives India a massive early advantage .
### Babar Azam vs Jasprit Bumrah
This is the clash within the clash—Pakistan's best batter against India's best bowler.
- **In T20Is:** Bumrah has dismissed Babar once; Babar has scored 18 runs off 14 balls
- **In ODIs:** Even more pronounced—Babar has 22 runs off 39 balls with **27 dot balls**
Different formats, same signal: Bumrah can squeeze Babar's scoring options and force him into risky shots. If Bumrah removes Babar early, Pakistan's innings loses its anchor .
### The Usman Tariq Factor
Pakistan's mystery spinner Usman Tariq has become the tournament's most discussed bowler. His numbers are eye-catching:
- **T20I Record:** 7 wickets in 12 overs at economy 5.92, dot-ball percentage 45.8%
- **Controversy:** Questions have been raised about his bowling action, though he continues to play
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has specifically warned Indian batters about Tariq: "Pakistan has a spinner (Usman Tariq), he is a good spinner, we have to play him safely. The Indian team is capable; it is a very good team" .
Tariq has been particularly economical against left-handers, which is significant given India's left-heavy top and middle order . If India roll in with Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh, Tariq's presence can become a genuine handbrake .
### Sahibzada Farhan vs Jasprit Bumrah
This matchup might worry India. Farhan has been unusually comfortable against Bumrah:
- **Sahibzada Farhan vs Jasprit Bumrah:** 51 runs off 34 balls, strike rate 150, **not dismissed once**
This is the most concerning statistic for India, as it directly attacks their biggest edge. Farhan also had success against India in last year's Asia Cup, scoring 40, 58, and 57 in three innings . Betting markets have taken note, with Farhan priced as favorite to be Pakistan's top run-scorer .
### Hardik Pandya vs Saim Ayub
India can use Hardik Pandya as a disruptor against the dangerous Saim Ayub:
- **Saim Ayub vs Hardik Pandya:** 4 runs off 4 deliveries, **dismissed once**
If Pandya is introduced the moment Saim looks set, it presents a cheap wicket opportunity for India .
### Babar Azam vs Varun Chakaravarthy
This is a small but clean sample that favors Babar:
- **Babar Azam vs Varun Chakaravarthy:** 17 runs off 13 balls, strike rate 130.80, **never dismissed**
This matters because Varun is India's main middle-overs chaos agent. If Babar can play him without panic, Pakistan's innings stays stitched together .
### Hardik Pandya vs Shaheen Afridi
Though data comes from ODIs, it remains relevant:
- **Shaheen Afridi vs Hardik Pandya in ODIs:** Dismissed Pandya twice, conceded just 13 runs off 15 balls
If Shaheen is held back and introduced when Pandya arrives, and if the game is stuck at that point, this face-off could decide momentum .
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## Expert Predictions and Verdict
### Harbhajan Singh's Prediction
Legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has confidently backed India to win, while warning about Usman Tariq:
> "India will win the match. Pakistan has a spinner (Usman Tariq), he is a good spinner, we have to play him safely. The Indian team is capable; it is a very good team. We hope they play the way they have always played, play without any pressure and wave the flag of victory."
### Nayan Mongia's Analysis
Former Indian wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia points to Pakistan's psychological burden:
> "Pakistan has lost seven or eight times consecutively in ICC tournaments, so they will be under more pressure. Cricket has changed a lot now. India's young players have become fearless. One over, one four, or one six can turn the match around."
Mongia also expects a big performance from Hardik Pandya, citing his excellent record against Pakistan .
### Statistical Prediction
Based on historical data, current form, and venue analysis, here is how the match shapes up:
| **Factor** | **Advantage** | **Reasoning** |
|------------|---------------|---------------|
| Historical Record | India | 7-1 in T20 World Cups, 18-4 in ICC events |
| Current Form | Even | Both teams have 2-0 tournament records |
| Venue Familiarity | Pakistan | Have already played two matches in Colombo |
| Spin Bowling | India | Kuldeep, Varun, Axar vs Pakistan's spin attack |
| Pace Bowling | India | Bumrah factor; Pakistan reliant on Shaheen |
| Batting Depth | India | More explosive middle order |
| Pressure Handling | India | Proven track record in big matches |
### Final Verdict
Cricket analyst Probuddha Bhattacharjee provides the most nuanced assessment:
> "If the surface is slow-ish with some grip and the ball holds up, this becomes a Pakistan-style game: Usman Tariq's dot-ball pressure + Shadab's match-ups + a powerplay wicket or two from Shaheen can drag India into a 150-ish scrap.
>
> "If there is significant dew and the pitch skids under lights, it tilts towards India: Abhishek's match-up vs Shaheen, Tilak's presence in the middle, and Bumrah's ability to delete set batters late gives India the cleaner path.
>
> **Lean: India, narrowly - because their team covers more game states.** "
**Our Prediction:** India starts as favorite, but Pakistan has the bowling attack to spring an upset if they can extract early wickets and use spin effectively in the middle overs. The toss could be decisive—whoever bowls first and uses the dry ball for their spinners gains a significant advantage. Expect a tense, low-to-mid scoring contest where composure under pressure decides the winner.
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## Betting Odds and Tips
For those interested in the betting markets, here are the latest odds:
| **Market** | **Odds** |
|------------|----------|
| India to Win | 1-3 |
| Pakistan to Win | 12-5 |
**Expert Betting Tips:**
1. **Sahibzada Farhan to be top Pakistan run-scorer (3-1):** Farhan has been in sublime form, top-scoring in both Pakistan's matches and performing well against India in last year's Asia Cup
2. **Ishan Kishan to hit most sixes for India (11-4):** Kishan has hit 34 sixes in his last ten T20 innings for India, including five against Namibia
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## How to Watch: Live Streaming and TV Broadcast
| **Region** | **Broadcaster** |
|------------|-----------------|
| India (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| India (Streaming) | JioHotstar app and website |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket |
| International | Regional ICC broadcast partners |
**Match Start Time:** 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT)
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## Frequently Asked Questions
### What is the head-to-head record between India and Pakistan in T20 World Cups?
India has won 7 out of 8 T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan. One match was tied and won by India via bowl-out. Pakistan's only victory came in 2021 .
### Who has scored the most runs in India-Pakistan T20Is?
Virat Kohli holds the record with 492 runs in 11 innings .
### Who has taken the most wickets in India-Pakistan T20Is?
Hardik Pandya leads with 15 wickets in 9 innings .
### What is the highest team total in IND vs PAK T20Is?
India's 192/5 in Ahmedabad on December 28, 2012, is the highest .
### What is the weather forecast for the India vs Pakistan match?
There is a 50-70% chance of rain and thunderstorms during match hours. Cloudy skies are expected, with possible interruptions .
### Is there a reserve day for this match?
No, there is no reserve day for group stage matches. If rain washes out play, both teams will share one point each .
### What does the pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium offer?
The pitch favors spinners, is slow and two-paced, and makes stroke-play difficult. Average first innings score is 143-145 .
### Who is Usman Tariq and why is he important?
Usman Tariq is Pakistan's mystery spinner who has taken 7 wickets in 12 T20I overs at an economy of 5.92. His unorthodox action and ability to stifle left-handers make him a key weapon against India's left-heavy batting order .
### What did Harbhajan Singh predict for this match?
Harbhajan Singh predicted India will win but warned batters to play Usman Tariq safely .
### When does the match start?
The match starts at 7:00 PM IST on February 15, 2026, with the toss at 6:30 PM IST .
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