New Delhi: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will renew their rivalry in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 when they lock horns in a much-awaited group-stage clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. After a spicy build-up which saw Pakistan make a U-turn on their initial boycott threat, the stage is set for what promises to be a cracker of a contest.
India have dominated Pakistan in the T20 World Cup with an overwhelming 7-1 lead in the head-to-head record between the two sides. However, history is of little importance as the stakes are always high whenever the two teams meet each other. The clash on Sunday promises to be no different, with all eyes set on the marquee fixture.
The match-ups and battles between some of the players from both sides will be the key to deciding the winner of the high-profile encounter in Colombo. A lot has been said about Pakistan’s spin ploy ahead of the game, and it remains to be seen how India will tackle that. Pakistan batters too will be tested by India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and their spinners.
Key battles to watch out for in India-Pakistan clash:
Ishan Kishan vs Shaheen Shah Afridi
Team India opener Ishan Kishan has been enjoying a purple patch and will be looking to continue his dazzling run against Pakistan. The explosive southpaw’s battle with Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi with the new ball will be the one to watch out for in Colombo.
Kishan has been batting with his usual fearless approach and has been taking down bowlers at will. He will be backing his range of shots and current form against Afridi. However, the Pakistan pacer’s ability to move the ball away from the left-hander will make the battle an enticing one. It also remains to be seen how Kishan will tackle Afridi’s short-ball barrage.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Sahibzada Farhan
Jasprit Bumrah managed only a solitary wicket in India’s last game against Namibia but looked in fine rhythm. Bumrah will be hoping to make an impact with the new ball against Pakistan and will be looking to get the better of opener Sahibzada Farhan. Farhan came out on top when the two last faced off in the Asia Cup last year.
The left-hander became one of the few batters to hit Bumrah for two sixes in a T20I match. The Pakistan batter’s feat became part of a documentary tale in his country, making him an overnight hero. Bumrah is yet to dismiss Farhan, having conceded 51 runs against him in 34 balls. The Indian pacer will be hoping to set the record straight this time.
Hardik Pandya vs Usman Tariq
A lot has been said and written about Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq and his bowling action, which has come under the scanner in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Tariq’s stop-and-sling action has sparked a debate in the cricket world, and it remains to be seen how the Indian batters will tackle him.
Hardik Pandya is one of the Indian batters who can take down Tariq comfortably. Pandya’s range of strokes and his ability to stand and deliver give him the edge over the Pakistan spinner. If Hardik is required to bat in the game, the battle between him and Tariq promises to be an exciting one.