IND vs PAK Live, T20 World Cup 2026: India face Pakistan in a high-voltage Group A clash at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Check pitch report, rain forecast, head-to-head stats, predicted XIs, key player battles, match timing, and live streaming details.
Colombo: Cricket’s biggest rivalry returns tonight as India faces Pakistan in Match 27 of Group A at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament, hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 1, features 20 teams playing 55 matches for the trophy. This is the third group match for both teams and will be played at the famous R. Premadasa Stadium.
India wants to stay unbeaten, while Pakistan needs a win to keep its campaign alive. The match starts at 7:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local time), and the toss will take place at 6:30 PM IST. As of 5:00 PM IST, dark clouds are visible over Colombo, but there has been no rain so far — which is good news for fans.
Venue Report: Pitch and Stats
The R. Premadasa Stadium, which can hold more than 35,000 spectators, has hosted 28 T20 internationals. The average score per innings here is 156 runs.
The ground usually offers a balanced contest:
• 14 matches have been won by teams batting first.
• 13 matches have been won by teams chasing.
• The average first-innings score is 158.
Spinners have done well here, taking around 60% of wickets in recent T20Is. Fast bowlers often get early swing under lights.
Today’s pitch is expected to be dry after a light drizzle earlier. Fast bowlers may get help at the start, but spin could dominate in the middle overs. Dew might affect the second innings, which could help the chasing team. Both captains will think carefully before deciding at the toss.
Weather Update: 63% Chance of Rain
The weather forecast shows a 63% chance of rain and full cloud cover during match hours. Heavy showers are expected between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM local time, which could delay the toss.
Temperatures will stay between 26°C and 30°C, with humidity levels between 80% and 90%.
Right now, the ground is dry despite morning rain. The ground staff are ready with equipment to clear water quickly. The ICC has backup plans if the match needs to be shortened. Although rain affected the 2011 World Cup final at this venue, recent drainage upgrades have reduced the risk of long delays.
Head-to-Head Record: India Ahead
India has a strong record against Pakistan in T20 cricket.
Overall T20Is:
• Matches: 16
• India wins: 13
• Pakistan wins: 3
In T20 World Cups:
• Matches: 8
• India wins: 7
• Pakistan wins: 1 (in 2021 by 10 wickets)
Recent results:
• 2024 (New York): India won by 6 runs.
• 2022 (Melbourne): India won by 4 wickets.
• 2016 (Dhaka): India won by 6 wickets.
Pakistan has won 3 of their last 5 T20Is against India overall, but India’s strong record in World Cups shows how tough the challenge will be for Pakistan.
India Team Update
Captain Suryakumar Yadav leads India, who have already won two Group A matches — against UAE and Namibia. They recently defeated New Zealand 4-1 in a T20I series in January 2026.
India currently has the highest run rate in the tournament (9.69). In their last five matches, they have hit 45 sixes.
Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar.
Predicted XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Abhishek Sharma returns after missing the first match due to a minor injury. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin will be important on this pitch. Jasprit Bumrah, who has taken 11 wickets in his last four T20Is, will lead the bowling attack. Suryakumar, with a strike rate of 182 in 2026 T20Is, will look to take advantage of the short boundaries.
India is expected to continue its no-handshake protocol at the toss.
Pakistan Team Update
Salman Ali Agha leads Pakistan, who have lost both their Group A matches — against the Netherlands and Afghanistan. Another defeat could almost end their semi-final hopes.
Since May 2025, Pakistan has played 34 T20Is — more than any other team — but has won only 18 of them.
Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
Predicted XI:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
Shaheen Afridi has been left out due to poor form. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will lead the pace attack. Babar Azam, with an average of 42 in 2026 T20Is, will be key. Shadab Khan’s all-round skills are also crucial.
Key Player Battles
Jasprit Bumrah vs Babar Azam – Bumrah’s yorkers have dismissed Babar three times in T20Is. This contest could decide the powerplay.
Kuldeep Yadav vs Shadab Khan – Both wrist spinners could dominate in the middle overs.
Abhishek Sharma vs Haris Rauf – Abhishek’s attacking starts against Rauf’s pace will be exciting to watch.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Mohammad Nawaz – Suryakumar’s 360-degree shots against left-arm spin could shape the middle overs.
Recent Form
India enters this match unbeaten and full of confidence. Their powerful batting and strong bowling make them favorites.
Pakistan, however, has no room for mistakes. They need this win to stay in the race for the semi-finals.
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast on Star Sports in India, PTV Sports in Pakistan, and Willow TV in the USA. It will also stream on Disney+ Hotstar, FanCode, and the ICC app. Live scores and highlights will be available on ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.
Fans across the world are eagerly waiting. Social media is buzzing as the toss time approaches. Will India continue its strong World Cup record, or will Pakistan stage a comeback? Stay tuned for live updates.
