🏏ICC Men's T20 W C 2026: Group A, M 27: India vs Pak at Colombo🏏 - Page 2

India probabale XI: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Pakistan probabale XI: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen

Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Usman Tariq. (IS

R. Premadasa Stadium T20I stats and pitch report

At R. Premadasa Stadium, the pitch could heavily influence the India–Pakistan clash. With the surface slowing under lights, chasing becomes difficult. A total around 160–170 may prove competitive as pacers’ cutters and spinners’ grip make stroke-making difficult.12:56 (IST) 14 Feb 2026

Colombo pitch condition after rain

Pakistan possess several quality spin options in their attack like Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Qadir, and Saim Ayub. Captain Salman Ali Agha can also contribute with spin. In such conditions, this spin-heavy bowling unit could make shot-making extremely challenging, as the ball may hold up, turn sharply, and disrupt timing.

Varun Could Swing Match on Premadasa Pitch

Varun Chakravarthy thrives on Colombo’s slow, grippy R. Premadasa pitch. Babar Azam in the middle order could be targeted, as proactive, attacking play is crucial to counter India’s spin threat.18:02 (IST) 14 Feb 2026

Kishan and Sharma Key to India’s Powerplay Dominance

India rely on explosive starts from Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma to dominate early. Pakistan will need Shaheen Afridi at his best to take early wickets and contain runs in Colombo.

Mohsin Naqvi and Jay Shah in Attendance?

Mohsin Naqvi and Jay Shah are expected to watch the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match together. There are also reports suggesting that Mohsin Naqvi might hand over the Asia Cup trophy to the BCCI.

Low Scores Expected as Colombo Surface Sets Up Battle

India vs Pakistan will be played on the same R. Premadasa pitch where Zimbabwe beat Australia. The slow, gripping surface favors spinners, suggests low scores, and makes for a tight, tactical contest.

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Salman Ali Agha calls Usman Tariq ‘Trump Card’

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the bowler remains unaffected by the surrounding controversy, hailing him as a “trump card” for Pakistan. “You all have made Usman Tariq a big name.

For us, all 15 players are important. He has been bowling well. You can definitely say that he is a trump card for us. He has been cleared by the ICC, so I don’t understand why everyone is discussing him. Usman doesn’t get affected by these things. He is fine. He doesn’t care about these things,” Agha said.

Colombo factor favours Pakistan? Still India have an advantage

On February 15, it is India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026. Discover how spin bowling could play a crucial role in this clash….

Click on full story: https://news24online.com/sports/cricket/ind-vs-pak-colombo-factor-favours-pakistan-still-india-have-an-advantage-heres-how-suryakumar-yadavs-key-batters-will-change-things-around/746840/

What Happens If IND vs PAK Is Washed Out in Colombo?

Rain threatens the high-voltage India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on February 15. With no reserve day, a washout would split points, sending India to the Super 8s. Broadcasters and Sri Lanka Cricket could face heavy financial losses.

Memorable India vs Pakistan Clashes in Colombo

R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has hosted four notable India-Pakistan clashes. India thrashed Pakistan by 228 runs in 2023, won a low-scoring 2012 T20I, while Pakistan’s only victory came in 2004. Their 1994 Singer World Series meeting was washed out due to rain.

Minimum Overs Needed for a Result

For a T20 match to have a result, each team must bat at least 5 overs. If this doesn’t happen, the match will be abandoned. In that case, both teams will get one point each, as there is no reserve day for group-stage matches. 11:55 (IST) 14 Feb 2026

Weather Forecast for Match Day

During the day, there’s a 65% chance of rain with scattered thunderstorms and lots of clouds in the afternoon.

At night, the chance of rain drops to around 25%, though some reports say it could still be 49%-65% around 7:00 PM, when the match starts.

Suryakumar Yadav Confirms No-Handshake Plan

Later, Suryakumar Yadav said India had planned not to shake hands with Pakistan before the match. He linked the decision to the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which led to the May conflict.11:36 (IST) 14 Feb 2026

Pakistan Wait as India Skip Handshakes

Pakistan’s players walked off together and waited for the Indian team, but the Indian players only shook hands among themselves. They then went straight into their dressing room and closed the door while Pakistan’s players watched.

Babar Azam Added

“I have been part of many different matches. So, we have also learnt that we keep ourselves cool and relaxed. The more we do not listen to outside noise, the more we keep ourselves straightforward, the better it is. Whatever we have experienced, we talk to the youngsters. Yes, there’s excitement, but the more you keep yourself easy and tension-free, the better it is for you.”11:12 (IST) 14 Feb 2026

Babar Urges Players to Focus

Babar Azam said that with so much attention on the match, players must stay focused on the game and ignore distractions. Any outside influence could hurt their performance.