India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash: With pride, points and momentum at stake, Sunday’s clash promises high drama in Colombo
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash: Cricket’s fiercest rivalry returns on Sunday evening as India and Pakistan lock horns in a high-voltage T20 World Cup encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The much-anticipated match is scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST, with the toss slated for 6.30 pm.
Rain has hovered over Colombo since Saturday night, forcing ground staff to keep the covers on. While scattered showers are forecast during the day, the likelihood of rain during match hours is relatively low, around 10 per cent. However, with no reserve day in place, a washout would see both teams share a point each.
History favours India
India enter the contest with strong historical dominance over Pakistan in T20 World Cups. Out of eight meetings in the tournament’s history, India have won seven, conceding just one defeat. Overall in T20 Internationals, India lead 13-3 in 16 encounters.
India lifted the T20 World Cup titles in 2007 and 2024, famously defeating Pakistan in the inaugural final. Pakistan, meanwhile, were crowned champions in 2009 and have twice finished runners-up—in 2007 and 2022.
The Indian team is currently on a remarkable run, having won 10 consecutive matches in T20 World Cup competition. After an unbeaten 2024 campaign featuring eight wins, the team has added two more victories in the ongoing 2026 edition.
Key Challenge: Spin and Sri Lankan conditions
Sri Lankan pitches traditionally assist spinners, and the R. Premadasa surface is expected to deteriorate as the game progresses. The track tends to slow down in the second innings, aiding spin and cutters. So far in the tournament, 41 wickets have fallen at the venue, 21 to pacers and 20 to spinners, indicating balanced assistance.
India’s batters may face a stern test from Pakistan’s Usman Tariq, whose variations in pace and clever use of angles could trouble the top order. Abrar Ahmed’s mix of leg-spin, googlies and carrom balls will also be crucial during the middle overs.
India’s biggest asset remains its explosive batting lineup. Ishan Kishan has already scored 81 runs in two matches at a strike rate exceeding 200, including a half-century. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has looked in fluent touch this year, registering three fifties. Hardik Pandya’s all-round ability adds depth.
The bowling unit appears settled, with Jasprit Bumrah fully fit and effective at both ends of the innings. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav have provided breakthroughs in the middle overs, while Axar Patel has maintained control.
However, concerns linger over India’s ability to handle quality spin on slow surfaces. The team struggled against spin in their previous two matches. Additionally, Abhishek Sharma missed the last game due to illness, and his availability remains a point of discussion.
Pakistan will rely heavily on opener Sahibzada Farhan, who is their only batter to register a half-century in the tournament so far. His aggressive approach at the top could set the tone. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s left-arm swing in the powerplay remains a major threat, and he can also contribute valuable lower-order runs.
Shadab Khan offers balance with both bat and ball, while Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed strengthen the spin department. Pakistan’s bowling group has collectively impressed, with multiple players picking up three wickets each in the tournament.
The concern for Pakistan lies in their middle order. Apart from Farhan, none of the batters have managed a substantial score. Babar Azam and captain Salman Ali Agha have struggled to accelerate, which could prove costly against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
There is also curiosity surrounding the on-field interactions between players from the two nations. During last year’s Asia Cup in Dubai, Indian players had refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts in protest against a terror attack in Pahalgam. The two sides now meet for the first time since that episode, adding another layer of intrigue to an already emotionally charged contest.
- With inputs from agencies
