India vs Pakistan highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: India crush Pakistan by 61 runs, secure Super 8 spot

100 comes up for India!

Tilak Varma whacks Nawaz for a biggie on his first delivery of the over. This will put the pressure on the bowler.

Another superb over for Pakistan. Usman Tariq concedes 6 runs off his first over. He has got 5 to 6 variations under his sleeves. Superb bowling from him. 9 runs in the last 2 overs. India will feel some pressure.

Mohammad Nawaz bowls a brilliant over. Just 3 runs off his over.

10 overs gone!

India 92/2

Another 10 overs are going to be crucial for both the teams. India are in control at the moment.

Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma can be lethal in the next 5 overs.

Highest individual scores in Ind-Pak T20Is

82* Virat Kohli Melbourne 2022
79* Mohd Rizwan Dubai 2021
78* Virat Kohli Colombo RPS 2012
77 Ishan Kishan Colombo RPS 2026
75 Gautam Gambhir Joburg 2007

WICKET! Saim Ayub castles Ishan Kishan for 77 runs. Pakistan finally got the breakthrough they badly needed as Saim Ayub bowled Ishan. It was a clever delivery from Ayub, who slowed the ball down to 84 kph and pitched it on a good length. Kishan tried to make room by moving too far towards the leg side, looking to play another big shot.

However, the ball gripped the surface and turned more than expected. With his weight leaning back, Kishan could not adjust in time or reach the pitch of the ball. It sneaked past his bat and clipped the top of middle and leg stump, knocking the bail off.

INDIA 88/2 in 8.4 overs vs PAKISTAN

Play was halted after Ishan Kishan went down in discomfort, prompting immediate attention from the physio. The left-hander lay flat on his back, clearly wincing as his right leg was carefully stretched and assessed. It appeared the trouble may have stemmed from his attempted reverse-sweep, during which he lost balance and tumbled awkwardly.

For a few tense minutes, Kishan remained on the turf as the support staff worked on him, raising concerns in the Indian camp. Teammates and opponents watched on while treatment continued.

After what felt like a long pause in play, there was finally relief. Kishan slowly rose to his feet, tested the leg, and began strapping his right pad back on, signalling he was ready to resume.

Ishan Kishan lit up the contest with a blistering half-century that not only seized the momentum but also etched his name in the record books. The left-hander brought up his fifty in just 27 balls, registering the third-fastest half-century in India-Pakistan T20Is. In doing so, he went past Yuvraj Singh’s 29-ball effort in Ahmedabad in 2012, underlining the impact of his fearless strokeplay.

Kishan now sits behind only Mohammad Hafeez, who smashed a 23-ball fifty in Ahmedabad in 2012, and Abhishek Sharma, who raced to his half-century in 24 balls in Dubai in 2025. The milestone came at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in 2026, marked with an asterisk as his innings was still in progress.

From the outset, Kishan attacked both pace and spin, mixing crisp pulls with authoritative sweeps to keep Pakistan under constant pressure and power India’s charge.

Fastest 50s in Ind-Pak T20Is (by balls)

23 Mohd Hafeez Ahmedabad 2012
24 Abhishek Sharma Dubai 2025
27 Ishan Kishan Colombo RPS 2026 *
29 Yuvraj Singh Ahmedabad 2012

SIX! Ishan Kishan is dealing in sixes and fours at the moment. That's a massive hit. Superb sound of the bat. He clears his front leg and whacks this over deep mid wicket fence. He is unstoppable at the moment.

INDIA 77/1 in 7.3 overs vs PAKISTAN

Stat:

42 runs by Ishan Kishan is the most by a batter in the Powerplay in Ind-Pak T20Is surpassing 35 by Shubman Gill in Dubai in Asia Cup 2025.

Ishan Kishan brings up his half century off 27 balls. What a knock from the left hander. He smashes Abrar Ahmed for back-to-back boundaries to bring up his fifty. What a know from the Indian opener.

India’s Powerplay was a story of recovery and aggression after the early loss of Abhishek Sharma. Salman Agha struck in the very first over to leave India at 1/1, but Ishan Kishan quickly shifted the momentum.

Shaheen Afridi’s opening over went for 15, highlighted by a towering pull for six and a streaky boundary that raced away off the inside edge. Kishan continued to attack the spinners, sweeping and lofting confidently as Pakistan searched for control.

Abrar Ahmed was welcomed with a slog-swept six over backward square leg, while a short ball was punished through cover. Even when the ball gripped occasionally, Kishan kept the scoreboard moving.

Tilak Varma provided steady support, finishing the Powerplay with a boundary that trickled past short third. India closed the first six overs strongly at 52/1, with Kishan blazing to 42 and seizing early control.

FOUR! Ishan Kishan goes on backfoot and smashes Saim Ayub. Chance for Pakistan. Ishan played the same shot Abhishek did. Shaheen Afridi jumps but the ball is out of his reach. The ball goes towards the boundary.

SIX! Another bowling change for Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed comes into the attack. Ishan Kishan welcomes the spinner with a biggie over backward square leg fence.

After two dots, Ishan Kishan puts the pressure back on Saim Ayub. He stays back and smashes the ball towards backward square leg. The fielder is there but he fails to stop the ball.

INDIA 29/1 in 3.5 overs vs PAKISTAN

Salman Agha’s third over produced nine important runs as India moved to 25/1 after three overs, with Ishan Kishan looking positive at the crease. The over began in dramatic fashion as Agha missed his length slightly. Kishan pounced immediately, clearing his front leg and lofting the ball powerfully over mid-on for a boundary.

Agha pulled his length back the very next delivery. Kishan danced down the track but failed to reach the pitch of the ball and was struck on the pad while trying to work it on the leg side. He then attempted a sweep, getting a thick top edge that flew over square leg, allowing the batters to come back for two.

The bowler kept things flatter and tighter afterwards. Kishan nudged a single, Tilak Varma tucked one to midwicket, and Kishan sliced the final ball in the air for a risky single.

Dismissed for duck in the first two games in T20 World Cups (FM sides)

Ashish Nehra
Imrul Kayes
Abhishek Sharma

Both Nehra and Kayes did not score a run in their World Cup careers.

FOUR! Salman Agha starts his second over. Ishan Kishan welcomes him with a boundary. He clears his front leg and smokes this over mid on. Powerful shot fromt the Indian opener.

Abhishek Sharma’s last six T20Is

0(1)
68*(20)
0(1)
30(16)
0(1)
0(4)

SIX! Ishan Kishan hits Shaheen Afridi for a biggie over deep mid wicket fence. Excellent pull shot from the left hander. That's a wonderful counter attack from the left-hander.

WICKET! Salman Ali Agha strikes, Abhishek Sharma falls for a duck. Massive blow for India.

Pakistan struck early as Salman Agha removed Abhishek Sharma with a clever piece of bowling. Agha fired the ball in on middle stump. It was not short enough for a pull shot, but Abhishek still went back to play it. The ball skidded on quickly after pitching, rushing him for time. Because of the extra pace, Abhishek could not control his shot and ended up mistiming it badly. The ball went high in the air towards mid-on, where Shaheen Afridi was safely positioned. Shaheen completed a simple catch without any trouble. Abhishek departed for a four-ball duck, his second duck of this World Cup, giving Pakistan a big early breakthrough.

INDIA 1/1 in 1 over vs PAKISTAN

India openers Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are in the middle

Pakistan have formed a huddle

Salman Ali Agha will open the attack for Pakistan

Umpire says 'let's play'

Here we go ... !!!

It's time for the national anthems of both the teams

Pakistan first and then India's Jana Gana Mana

STATS:

All three games at Premadasa this World Cup have been won by the side batting first (avg 1st innings 171); in the eight T20Is at the venue prior to this tournament all games were won by the chasing team (avg 1st innings 127).

The two sides have met 11 times in T20Is since 2014, with the chasing side win on as many as 10 instances; the only exception being the 2024 T20 World Cup game in New York when India won.

There was no handshake at the toss as Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won and chose to bowl first against India in their high-voltage Group A clash of the T20 World Cup in Colombo. India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Agha skipped the customary greeting, keeping the focus firmly on the contest.

Explaining his decision, Agha said, “We want to bowl first. It looks a bit tacky, so we feel it will assist the bowlers for the first few overs so we want to use that. We are relaxed in our group and excited for this challenge. Bigger ground than SSC and the pitch is slower than SSC. Same team for us.”

Suryakumar said, “Not at all, we were looking to bat first... Two changes. Abhishek Sharma comes in and Kuldeep Yadav is in for Arshdeep Singh.”

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan(w), Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

Not at all, we were looking to bat first. We won last two games defending so we don't want to change it. It is an occasion, it's a high-stake game. This sport teaches you a lot of things. Two changes. Abhishek Sharma comes in and Kuldeep Yadav is in for Arshdeep Singh.

Suryakumar Yadav, India captain

We want to bowl first. It looks a bit tacky, so we feel it will assist the bowlers for the first few overs so we want to use that. We are relaxed in our group and excited for this challenge. Bigger ground than SSC and the pitch is slower than SSC. Same team for us.

Salman Agha, Pakistan captain

Pakistan captain Salman Agha wins toss, opts to field vs India in Colombo

Rohit Sharma was seen greeting and hugging the Indian players ahead of the high-voltage clash against Pakistan, sharing a few warm words as the team geared up for the big game. The former skipper, who led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title with a thrilling final win over South Africa in Barbados, appeared relaxed and upbeat.

Rohit also engaged in light-hearted conversation with the players and current captain Suryakumar Yadav, adding to the calm yet focused mood in the Indian camp before the blockbuster encounter.

A high-energy performance by Hanumankind, the Indian rapper and singer, is currently electrifying the stadium, adding to the pre-match buzz.

The beats are pumping through the stands, with fans soaking in the vibrant atmosphere ahead of the big clash.

On the balcony, Arshdeep Singh was seen grooving to the music.

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq is in the middle now to a loud cheer from the crowd. The mystery around his bowling action — marked by an unusual pause and sling-like delivery — has made him one of the talking points of the tournament, drawing significant attention ahead of today’s high-stakes match.

Adding to the spectacle, Tariq was spotted playfully balancing and rotating a football on one finger — a light-hearted display that delighted fans and showcased his athletic flair before the ball starts flying in Colombo.

India hold a dominant 7-1 head-to-head record over Pakistan in T20 World Cups.

Abhishek boasts a staggering strike rate of 194.45 in T20Is since the start of 2024 — the highest among batters with at least 500 runs in this period.

Since the beginning of 2024, Shaheen Shah Afridi has claimed 15 wickets in the first over of T20Is, the most by any bowler from Full Member nations.

In eight T20I bowling innings against Pakistan, Pandya has never gone wicketless, picking up 15 wickets at an average of 14.60 and a strike rate of 11.00. The only game he did not feature among the wickets was the 2021 T20 World Cup clash, where he did not bowl in Pakistan’s 10-wicket win.

Mohammad Nawaz is just three wickets away from becoming the fourth Pakistan bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets.

India (probable): 1 Ishan Kishan (wk), 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Rinku Singh, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.

Pakistan (probable): 1 Sahibzada Farhan (wk), 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Salman Agha (capt), 4 Babar Azam, 5 Shadab Khan, 6 Usman Khan (wk)/Fakhar Zaman, 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Usman Tariq, 11 Abrar Ahmed


The winner of today’s clash will all but seal a spot in the Super 8 stage. The losing side, however, will be left with no margin for error and must win their remaining two matches to stay in contention.

Pakistan and India have arrived at the R Premadasa Stadium for the much-anticipated showdown, with the atmosphere building steadily ahead of the blockbuster encounter.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav was spotted making his way to the middle in a relaxed avatar — T-shirt and shorts — with his bat resting on his shoulder, soaking in the big-match vibe. The stadium is packed to capacity, a full house turning up for one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries. The buzz is electric, but there is one shared wish among the fans — that the rain stays away and allows an uninterrupted contest.

India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in ICC T20 World Cup history. While the head-to-head record stands at 7-1 in India’s favour, the contests have often been close. From their two meetings in the 2007 edition, including the final, to the 2024 clash in New York, the rivalry has rarely followed a one-sided script.

The pattern has continued in the 2020s. India have won two of the three T20 World Cup meetings this decade, with Pakistan winning once. Yet each match has been defined by decisive passages rather than clear dominance.

As India and Pakistan get ready for yet another encounter on Sunday, here's a look at the matches between both sides in T20 World Cups in this decade:

2021, Group Stage, Dubai – Pakistan win by 10 wickets

After years of near misses, Pakistan broke through in a World Cup fixture. The 10-wicket win in Dubai was set up by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who removed India’s top order early. Six years after their previous T20 World Cup meeting, Pakistan responded firmly — 151 was not enough on a Dubai pitch where chasing was the preferred route.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan completed the chase without losing a wicket, finishing the game with control and without appearing under pressure.

For India, it marked their most disappointing ICC campaign since the 2007 ODI World Cup, and the loss to Pakistan defined that tournament.

2022, Group Stage, Melbourne – India win by 4 wickets

The 2022 contest in Melbourne produced a finish remembered for key moments. Pakistan scored 159, a total that did not appear beyond reach. However, India were reduced to 31/4 and were staring at consecutive defeats.

Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya rebuilt the innings steadily, keeping the target within sight. When India needed 48 from the last three overs, the situation looked difficult. Then came the over from Haris Rauf. Kohli struck a straight six that changed the mood of the game, prompting Harsha Bhogle’s call: "Kohli goes down the ground, Kohli goes out of the ground."

The final over brought further twists — no-balls, wickets, run-outs and wides — before Ravichandran Ashwin lifted the winning run over cover to seal the result.

2024, Group Stage, New York – India win by 6 runs

In New York, the teams played a low-scoring contest that later proved important in India’s run to the title. By then, the venue had gained a reputation as a difficult ground for batting, making India’s 119 all out close to a competitive total.

Defending the score required disciplined bowling, and Jasprit Bumrah delivered. He finished with 3/14 from four overs, including the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan with an off-cutter that moved sharply. As the final overs approached, India held their nerve to defend the total by six runs.

The victory extended India’s record over Pakistan to 7-1 and came on their way to lifting their first ICC trophy in 11 years.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels India head into their group-stage clash against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday as the stronger outfit.

India enjoy a commanding 7-1 record over Pakistan in the Men’s T20 World Cup. However, Ganguly made it clear that he does not attach much importance to past numbers or the “favourites” label in the shortest format.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Ganguly said, "I don't believe in head-to-head figures. I don't believe in the favourites tag, especially in T20 cricket. What I believe is that India starts as a much stronger team than Pakistan. India is a very good team. They are very well balanced in batting, bowling, seam bowling, spin bowling, fielding and game sense. They have big match experience. So they start as the stronger side. But whether India wins or not will be decided by the 40 overs in Colombo."

Turning his attention to Jasprit Bumrah, the former skipper described him as a “game-changer” and arguably the finest fast bowler in white-ball cricket at present. He lauded Bumrah’s range of variations and underlined how crucial his spell could be to the outcome of the contest.

"Jasprit Bumrah is a game-changer. He is probably the best fast bowler in the world right now in white-ball cricket. He is the best because of his variations. Yorkers, bouncers, slower balls, he knows what to do. He is the captain of his own bowling. That makes him even tougher to face," he said.

Ganguly also looked ahead to a potential face-off between Bumrah and Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan, stressing that Pakistan’s fortunes could depend on how they negotiate Bumrah’s four overs.

"The battle between Sahibzada Farhan and Bumrah will be exciting to watch. But it is not just about one player. All the Pakistani batters will have to play well against Bumrah. If Pakistan see off his four overs well, they will have a chance to win. If they don't, they will struggle," he added.

Both teams have played two matches each in the tournament and won both. India come into the fixture after victories over the United States of America and Namibia, while Pakistan have beaten the Netherlands and the USA.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side currently tops Group A with four points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.050. Pakistan sit second, also on four points, with an NRR of +0.932.

While the spotlight was firmly on the India-Pakistan men’s clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India A women produced a dominant display, hammering Pakistan by eight wickets in Match 6 of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 on Sunday.

The contest at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok saw India bounce back strongly in their second Group A fixture after a seven-wicket loss to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opener.

Pakistan, led by Hafsa Khalid, opted to bat first after winning the toss. However, Saima Thakor struck in the opening over, removing Yusra Amir. Shawaal Zilfiqar top-scored with 23 off 29 balls, including three boundaries. Thakor then cleaned up skipper Khalid for just one in the fifth over as Pakistan slipped to their fourth wicket inside the powerplay.

Batting at No. 7, Gull Rukh chipped in with 21 runs and hit Pakistan’s only six, while Anosha Nasir made 17 to push the total past 90. India bowled Pakistan out for 93 in 18.5 overs, with Thakor, captain Radha Yadav and Prema Rawat taking two wickets each. Jintimani Kalita and Minnu Mani claimed one apiece.

In reply, India lost Humairaa Kaazi to Waheeda Akhtar off the first ball of the chase. Anushka Sharma (24 off 26) then stitched a 79-run stand with Vrinda Dinesh before falling to Momina Riasat.

Dinesh remained unbeaten on a brisk 55 off 29 balls, striking 12 fours, while Tejal Hasabnis finished on 12 not out from five deliveries, including a four and a six. India chased down the target in just 10.1 overs to seal a comfortable win.

The victory lifted India A women to second place in Group A behind the UAE, while Pakistan sit third with two points. India next face Nepal, and Pakistan will meet table-toppers UAE on Tuesday.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes the buzz surrounding spinner Usman Tariq could give his team a mental edge over India ahead of their T20 World Cup clash in Colombo on Sunday. Tariq’s unconventional bowling has sparked widespread debate, with some fans even questioning the legality of his action. Hafeez, however, framed this attention as a strategic benefit, claiming it has unsettled the Indian side.

“From a cricketing perspective, the hype around Usman Tariq is already a psychological victory for us. Right now, no one is talking about Babar Azam or anyone else. The focus is entirely on Tariq. He’s played just one or two matches for Pakistan, yet imagine the panic he’s causing in the Indian camp. They are specifically practicing against him in their sessions,” Hafeez told Tapmad.


He added, “How often do you see this much discussion about a single player? The media, fans, and the world are thinking not just about the match result, but about what Usman Tariq might do tomorrow.”

Hafeez praised Tariq’s temperament, insisting the 28-year-old has the ability to turn games on his own. He advised Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to deploy Tariq aggressively, warning that defensive use would limit his impact.

“I want to see how positively Salman Agha makes decisions and how he uses Usman Tariq. If he’s used defensively, nothing will work. You need an attacking mindset. Even the sixth over can be crucial, usually bowled by your most impactful player,” Hafeez explained.

“Planning around Tariq is key. If he’s used in an attacking zone, he can be very effective. I’m not saying Abrar, Nawaz, or Shadab won’t matter, but right now, all eyes are on Usman Tariq,” he concluded.

India and Pakistan will not engage in handshakes during their T20 World Cup encounter, sources told news agency PTI.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions and follows recent instances where players from both sides avoided the customary pre- and post-match greetings.

While no official statement has been issued by either cricket board, it is understood that the teams will maintain distance during the high-profile clash.

"Wait for 24 hours," said Suryakumar Yadav with a grin.

"Wait till tomorrow," echoed his counterpart Salman Agha.

The question dominating conversations remained unresolved on Saturday, as both captains stayed noncommittal on whether their teams would shake hands before or after Sunday’s high-voltage T20 World Cup clash.

Players from India and Pakistan have not exchanged handshakes since last year’s Asia Cup in Dubai, which took place in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre and the subsequent Operation Sindoor conducted by the Indian Armed Forces.

When asked about the possibility of a handshake, Suryakumar responded in his characteristic style, flashing a wide smile: "Now wait for 24 hours for that. Why put so much focus on that? We have come to play cricket. We will play good cricket. We will take all those calls later tomorrow. Wait for it. Eat well and go to sleep."

“We will see about it tomorrow,” Agha said in a brief reply during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

However, Agha made it clear that the 'Spirit of the Game' must be preserved.

“Cricket should be played in (right) spirit. My personal opinion may not matter. But cricket should be played according to how it has always been meant to be played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” he added.

It is understood that the mood within the Indian camp ahead of Sunday’s fixture at the R. Premadasa Stadium has been measured rather than aggressive, with the final call likely to rest with higher authorities.

At the same time, there is caution within the Indian team regarding public sentiment on social media, which could turn extreme given that emotions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack remain raw.

Bulbul to watch Indo-Pak match, meet BCCI officials

Aminul Islam Bulbul, chief of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, had earlier indicated that he would travel to Colombo to watch the India-Pakistan encounter, where he is expected to break the ice with the Board of Control for Cricket in India following strained exchanges in recent weeks.

From the Indian side, BCCI president Mithun Manhas, secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla are likely to be present.

Speaking to Bangladeshi newspaper Pratham Alo, Islam said the invitation for the marquee clash had come from the International Cricket Council.

“The ICC has taken a decision. The major stakeholders of the ICC are these five Asian countries and for the India-Pakistan World Cup match on the 15th, they want representatives of all five Asian countries to be present at the ground together, watch the match together and talk to one another,” Islam had remarked.

Cricket fans turned up in huge numbers at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, creating a charged atmosphere ahead of the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

With flags fluttering, slogans ringing out and supporters dressed in their team colours, fans from both camps cheered passionately as they waited for the high-voltage encounter to begin.

The Premadasa Stadium buzzed with anticipation, echoing with confidence from supporters backing their respective sides.

The storied India-Pakistan rivalry, famed for its intensity and emotional following, once again captivated massive attention, transforming the venue into a vibrant sea of blue and green.

As the players geared up to step onto the field, excitement soared among spectators eager to witness yet another gripping chapter in one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries.

Amid the growing buzz, an Indian fan in Colombo expressed his excitement ahead of the marquee contest, saying, "It was a big dream of our lives to witness India's victory over Pakistan, and today we are going to witness India's victory again after defeating Pakistan. The voice should reach Lahore."

A Pakistan supporter responded with confidence, stating, "The voice will reach Delhi... Get out of the movies, and no dialogue will work here. We are sure that these people will lose today."

Another Indian fan, Mohd Afsar, shared his optimism: "We are here to support our team. There is no rivalry between us, but India will win. If we look at the last 10-15 years, we have been winning only. There is a lot of excitement."

Both teams have played two matches each in the tournament so far, winning both of their fixtures. India head into the contest after victories over the United States of America and Namibia, while Pakistan have beaten the Netherlands and the USA.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side currently tops Group A with four points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.050, with Pakistan close behind in second place, also on four points but with an NRR of +0.932.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has come out in support of young Indian batter Abhishek Sharma after former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir called him a “slogger” ahead of the big India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Harbhajan strongly disagreed with Amir’s comment and said Abhishek is a proper and skilled batsman, not someone who just blindly hits the ball.

Amir had earlier made the remark while speaking on a Pakistani TV show, which sparked debate ahead of the high-voltage clash.

Reacting to it, Harbhajan praised Abhishek’s batting ability and consistency. He said, "Abhishek Sharma is a quality player, and he is a player who is determined to win matches on his own. And not once, but he can do it again and again. I have played cricket, and I know that he is a proper batter who has all the shots; a lot of batsmen don't have all the shots. A slogger is someone who only sees the ball and slogs; if it connects, great, and if it doesn't, that's fine too. He is not like that. He hits the first ball. And as long as he is on the crease, he keeps hitting. So, he is a proper batsman."

Harbhajan also said it is unfair for critics who have never bowled to Abhishek to judge him.

He added, "People may say whatever they want. Because, in my opinion, I don't think they have ever bowled in front of such a batter, and hence, it is wrong to comment that Abhishek is a slogger."

He urged Abhishek to prove his talent on the field, saying, "If I tell you the definition of a slogger, then a lot of people will get angry. So, I don't want to say that. Because we don't operate on that level, that they say something and we react again and again. I don't want to do that. Because maybe he wants us to react.

"But, anyway, I'll say, Abhishek, show us tomorrow what you showed us before. And show us, what Abhishek can do. And I have a lot of hope from Abhishek. And if he plays for a long time, then Team India will set a very long score."

Rain could affect the big India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup this Sunday in Colombo, and weather reports suggest a high chance of showers.

The Sri Lanka weather department predicts heavy rain and thunderstorms, which could frustrate millions of fans waiting for this blockbuster clash.


Interestingly, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali said he actually hopes it rains.

Speaking on a TV show, he said, "My''prayer is that the almighty makes it rain," and when asked if he wanted the full match to happen, he repeated, "I want rain."

His comments surprised many fans, as most people want to watch the complete game.

For a match to have a result, each team must bat for at least five overs. If rain stops the game before that, the match will be abandoned, and both teams will get one point each because there is no reserve day in the group stage.

Right now, India and Pakistan are tied on points at the top of their group, with India ahead on net run rate. If the match is washed out, both teams will likely qualify for the next round.

The weather forecast shows a high chance of rain during the day and a lower, but still possible, chance in the evening.

The conditions are expected to be cloudy, humid, and windy, which could make things tricky for players and organisers.

While fans are hoping for a full match, rain remains a big threat, and Basit Ali’s unusual wish has added another twist to the hype around this rivalry.

The Premadasa was buzzing on Saturday afternoon. The general talking point one could overhear around the sizeable media contingent from both sides was on the lines of “let’s finish off the enemy”.

Thankfully, there was no fire exchanged when Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan captain, began his pleasantly surprising interaction.


Agha displayed remarkable poise and an admirable, non-combative approach. His message was loud and clear — the Pakistan cricket team is here to play a game of cricket and not fight a proxy war.

While almost every question from the Indian contingent was entertained, it was Agha’s response to a question on Abhishek Sharma’s health that revealed, most of all, what an excellent sports ambassador he was.

“I really hope he recovers and plays the game. He is a terrific player and we want to play against the best,” Agha said, just showed all the respect that the best T20 batter in the world deserves.

It sounded quite contrary to what Agha’s one-time teammate Mohammed Amir had said on a television show a couple of days ago, dismissing Abhishek as a “slogger”.

It didn’t take long for the Pakistan media to rake up controversy, bringing up Harbhajan Singh’s comments on spinner Usman Tariq’s controversial bowling action. Agha was asked, “An Indian bowler whose action was questioned during his playing days is now questioning Tariq. What do you have to say?”

Agha was in no mood to add fuel to the fire. “People are entitled to their opinion and they can say what they want to say. I can tell you, Tariq himself doesn’t care. He is smart and mature. For us, he is just one of the 15 players, nothing more, nothing less.”

There was a smile on Agha’s face when another Pak journalist took a cue from their training methods on Friday and asked whether they are “targeting some of the Indian players like Abhishek”. “We are not ‘targeting’ any player, we are just trying to counter what India has to offer as a team,” the captain said.

And that was not enough. Questions were asked about the recent acrimony, all that has happened since the Asia Cup last Sept and whether Agha would be interested in shaking hands with the Indian captain. “It’s not up to me. And it doesn’t matter what I expect. If you ask me, I think the game should be (played in) the same (manner) since cricket started. The rest is up to them, whatever they want to do,” said Agha.

Liberal or not, Agha is still the Pakistan captain. The pressure is immense and the demand is to win every game. He accepted that “India have been better than us in World Cups”. Asked whether he loses sleep over the immensity of the assignment, Agha smiled again. “I am sleeping okay. It’s just probably a few grey hairs that come with leading a country with 260 million people on the cricket field.”

It’s safe to say Agha is doing his job well.

Colombo is experiencing warm and humid conditions this evening, with temperatures hovering around 29–30°C under mostly cloudy skies. A passing shower has kept conditions damp, while humidity remains high at 63 percent, making it feel sticky outdoors.

Winds from the northwest are blowing at around 17 km/h, with gusts reaching 26 km/h. Cloud cover is extensive at nearly 97 percent, limiting sunshine and keeping the UV index low.

Visibility stands at about 8 kilometres, and the cloud ceiling is relatively low at 1,200 metres. More scattered showers and possible thunderstorms are expected in the coming days.

Suryakumar Yadav loves to do things with a smile. And the two most important issues — the possible resumption of handshakes and the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav — dominated Surya’s media interaction.

After Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha put the ball in India’s court on the handshake issue, SKY smiled: “If it’s a thriller, let it be a thriller for one more night. Let’s enjoy the game, and then you’ll see what we do.”


“But the handshake is before the toss,” somebody said and Surya maintained his happy, chirpy self. “Arey, wait kar lo bhai,” he said, not exactly shutting the option. It was a departure from the extreme tension around the IndiaPak games in September’s Asia Cup.

Then came the question of Kuleep making it to the playing XI. The left-arm wrist spinner was a super success for India in the Asia Cup, dismantling Pakistan in the Asia Cup final with 4/30. In the first match he had got 3/18. Kuldeep has always enjoyed a stranglehold over Babar Azam, Pakistan’s anchor man at No. 4.

Asked whether Kuldeep would play, Surya laughed and asked everyone to wait but left enough hints. “In Asia Cup, the pitch was similar and it was a big ground. We have to see what combinations worked for us then. I feel similar combinations will be played here, it’s a good headache to have,” Surya said.

If Kuldeep has to play, however, one pacer has to be left out, and the axe could fall on Arshdeep Singh. India are not likely to reduce their batting depth, using Axar Patel at No. 8, unless the match is curtailed by rain. “It’s very difficult to decide which fast bowler to play. All our fast bowlersare good and spinners have done well too,” he said.

“I want to have different plans for different games. I go with what I feel is the need of the hour in a specific game,” he said.

Former India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia has tipped Team India as favourites for Sunday’s blockbuster T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against Pakistan at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The former cricketer also showered praise on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, describing him as one of the finest players in the T20 format and applauding his recent performances with both bat and ball.

Mongia underlined Pandya’s value across departments, calling him his “all-time favourite” and one of the best T20 all-rounders in the game. He pointed out that India have consistently delivered strong performances in ICC tournaments and said Pandya’s current form makes him a key figure heading into the high-voltage clash. At the same time, he cautioned that conditions in Sri Lanka could play a decisive role, with slow surfaces expected to aid spinners.


“The India has been performing in the ICC tournaments. Hardik Pandya is my all-time favourite. He is one of the best all-rounders in the T20 format. The way he's batting and the way he's performing with the ball, he is doing brilliantly. It will be fun to watch if he performs against Pakistan. They are playing in Sri Lanka; the wicket is slow, and spinners will dominate. While India start as favourites, they will have to be careful,” Mongia told ANI.

Both sides have won their two matches so far. India defeated the United States of America and Namibia, while Pakistan overcame the Netherlands and the USA.

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India sit atop Group A with four points and a Net Run Rate of +3.050. Pakistan are second with four points and an NRR of +0.932.

Weather could also influence proceedings. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has forecast possible showers or thundershowers in Colombo after 2:00 PM local time. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, with the toss at 6:30 PM. Temperatures are expected to range between 34°C and 24°C, with humidity levels fluctuating from 85% to 50%. The advisory for February 15 also mentions misty conditions in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, along with Galle and Matara districts, during the early hours.