The India vs Pakistan rivalry returns to center stage as the two subcontinental heavyweights face off in a crucial Group A encounter at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Scheduled for February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, this high-voltage clash carries significant tournament stakes as both teams look to consolidate their positions in the group standings.

With Pakistan currently leading Group A with an unbeaten record and India sitting second after their dominant opening victory, the IND vs PAK encounter promises to be a defining contest in determining group hierarchy. 

This tactical battle between two cricket powerhouses will test both teams' bowling attack, powerplay strategy, and ability to handle the pressure game atmosphere that defines this marquee contest.

India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record

The India vs Pakistan head-to-head record highlights India’s recent control in this intense cricket rivalry. India has won the last five encounters, building a strong psychological edge going into this tournament clash. Several of those victories came while chasing, showing calm execution in pressure moments.

For Pakistan, breaking this streak is as much a tactical challenge as a mental one. For India, maintaining dominance under knockout-stage pressure remains the key.

Result	Date
India won by 5 wickets (with 2 balls remaining)	28-Sep-2025
India won by 6 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)	21-Sep-2025
India won by 7 wickets (with 25 balls remaining)	14-Sep-2025
India won by 6 runs	09-Jun-2024
India won by 4 wickets (with 0 balls remaining)	23-Oct-2022

India Team Analysis

India enters this high-stakes clash in strong form, boasting deep batting, versatile all-rounders, and a balanced bowling attack. Their combination of pace and spin makes them tactically flexible in Colombo.

Recent Form

India enters this IND vs PAK clash riding a wave of confidence with five consecutive victories, including their recent 29-run triumph over the United States in their tournament opener. This recent form demonstrates strong batting depth and a versatile bowling combination capable of adapting to different match situations.

Batting Analysis

The Indian batting lineup showcases exceptional depth with captain Suryakumar Yadav leading from the front. His recent stats of 360 runs at an average of 51.43 with a strike rate of 175.6 make him the linchpin of India's middle overs control. Abhishek Sharma's explosive powerplay approach (285 runs at 214.28 strike rate) provides the early momentum India seeks.

The presence of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube adds crucial all-round balance, while wicketkeeper-batters Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson offer flexibility in batting order positioning. 

Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma provide additional middle-order firepower for death overs acceleration.

Bowling Attack

India's bowling attack represents its strongest asset. Varun Chakravarthy leads the spin department with 15 wickets at an economy of 7.87, making him critical for middle overs control at Colombo. Arshdeep Singh (15 wickets) and Jasprit Bumrah form a formidable pace combination, particularly effective in powerplay and death overs.

The spin options extend with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar providing variety and tactical flexibility based on match conditions. 

Mohammed Siraj offers additional pace backup, ensuring India can rotate bowlers effectively throughout the innings.

Pakistan Team Analysis

Pakistan enters this high-stakes clash with strong form and a balanced squad. Their combination of experienced batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and spin-focused bowling attack makes them a formidable opponent in Colombo.

Recent Form

Pakistan arrives at this high-voltage clash with exceptional momentum, winning their last five matches, including dominant victories over Australia. Their tournament campaign started with consecutive wins against Netherlands and the United States, placing them atop Group A with a superior net run rate of 0.932.

Batting Analysis

Pakistan's batting revolves around Sahibzada Farhan (280 runs at 31.11 average) and captain Salman Agha (272 runs at 34 average, 165.85 strike rate). These two provide stability while maintaining scoring momentum. Babar Azam's experience anchors the lineup, though recent form will be scrutinized.

The explosive potential of Saim Ayub provides powerplay firepower, while all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz add batting depth crucial for tournament equation scenarios. Wicketkeeper options in Usman Khan and Khawaja Nafay offer selection flexibility.

Bowling Attack

Pakistan's bowling strength lies in its spin department. Abrar Ahmed leads with 16 wickets at a miserly economy of 5.88, making him vital for middle overs control. Mohammad Nawaz matches him with 16 wickets at 7.03 economy, providing left-arm variation.

The pace attack features Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, both capable of early breakthroughs and death overs execution. Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza provide additional seam options, while Shadab Khan and Usman Tariq add spin depth for the Colombo pitch conditions.

Key Players to Watch

This high-voltage clash will feature several match-defining performers. Both teams rely on key batsmen, spinners, and pacers whose form, experience, and tactical roles could shape the outcome in Colombo.

India

Suryakumar Yadav: The Indian captain's ability to manipulate bowling attacks in the middle overs makes him crucial. His 360-degree shot-making and recent average of 51.43 demonstrates consistency under pressure. Against Pakistan's spin-heavy attack, his unorthodox stroke play could prove decisive in what's at stake scenarios.

Varun Chakravarthy: With 15 wickets and a stellar economy of 7.87, the mystery spinner holds the key to controlling Pakistan's middle order on a Colombo surface that aids spin. His variations and control during the crucial 7-15 over phase could determine the tactical battle outcome.

Jasprit Bumrah: India's premier death overs specialist brings unmatched experience in handling pressure situations. His yorker execution and ability to bowl in any phase make him invaluable against Pakistan's aggressive finishers.

Pakistan

Abrar Ahmed: Leading Pakistan's wicket-taking charts with 16 scalps at just 5.88 economy, the leg-spinner represents Pakistan's best weapon for creating pressure. His control in the middle overs against India's powerful batting lineup will be critical to Pakistan's qualification scenario.

Salman Agha: The captain's dual role as finisher and part-time bowler makes him central to Pakistan's strategy. His recent numbers (272 runs at 165.85 strike rate) indicate form, while his leadership in navigating this momentum shift opportunity will be scrutinized.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: The left-arm quick's ability to swing the new ball and deliver yorkers at the death makes him Pakistan's primary attacking weapon. His record in big matches and experience of handling the rivalry atmosphere could prove crucial in powerplay exchanges.

IND vs PAK Probable Playing XI

Both teams are expected to field their strongest combinations for this high-voltage clash. Selection decisions will revolve around balancing spin and pace options while maximizing batting depth and tactical flexibility.

India Probable XI

Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.

India faces a dilemma between playing three spinners (Varun, Kuldeep, Axar) versus adding Washington Sundar for additional batting depth. Given the Colombo conditions favoring spin, the three-specialist approach appears more likely. 

The choice between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson at wicketkeeper depends on team composition preferences.

Pakistan Probable XI

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah/Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan's inclusion of both Nawaz and Abrar signals a commitment to spin-heavy tactics. The impact of including Faheem Ashraf as an additional seam all-rounder versus maintaining three frontline spinners represents Pakistan's key selection decision. 

Usman Khan likely gets the nod over Khawaja Nafay based on recent performances.

India vs Pakistan Pitch Report and Conditions

The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch report suggests a balanced surface for T20 cricket, offering help to both batters and bowlers. In Colombo, the average first innings score in T20 internationals usually ranges between 160-175, making it a competitive venue.

The toss impact is important, especially in evening matches when dew can affect the second innings. Teams batting second often find stroke-making easier under lights, which makes the powerplay battle vital for sides defending totals.

In the pace vs spin record, spinners enjoy assistance during the middle overs, while early swing supports fast bowlers. A smart death overs strategy will be crucial.

India vs Pakistan Match Prediction

This India vs Pakistan match prediction points toward a closely balanced contest shaped by conditions, recent form, and tactical execution. India’s spin options could play a key role in the middle overs at Colombo, while their batting depth provides flexibility in both setting and chasing totals.

Pakistan, meanwhile, possesses a strong pace attack capable of early breakthroughs, along with quality spin to control the tempo through the middle phase. The toss may be significant due to dew under lights. Ultimately, discipline in key moments will decide this high-voltage clash.

FAQs

When is the India vs Pakistan match?

The India vs Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM local time at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Where is IND vs PAK being played?

The IND vs PAK match is being played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This venue is known for its balanced pitch conditions that assist both spinners and pace bowlers at different stages of the game.

Who won the last India vs Pakistan match?

India won the last India vs Pakistan match on September 28, 2025, by 5 wickets with 2 balls remaining. This extended India's winning streak against Pakistan to five consecutive victories across all recent encounters.

What is India vs Pakistan head-to-head record?

In their last five encounters, India has won all five matches against Pakistan, demonstrating complete dominance. These victories came in September 2025 (three matches), June 2024, and October 2022, showcasing India's psychological edge in recent years.

How to watch India vs Pakistan live?

Cricket fans can watch the India vs Pakistan live match on tapmad, which offers comprehensive coverage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. tapmad provides high-quality streaming of this high-voltage clash between the two rivals on February 15, 2026.