India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will take on Salman Ali Aga-led Pakistan in the 27th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The high-voltage Group A match between the two neighboring countries will be played at the R Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. Will be held at Premadasa Stadium.
Team India defeated the United States of America (USA) by 29 runs and reached the top of the table with a 93-run win over Namibia. With strong batting form and Jasprit Bumrah leading the lethal bowling attack, the Men in Blue are looking ominous.
Pakistan, on the other hand, defeated Netherlands by three wickets in a thrilling encounter before registering a resounding 32-run win over America. Their batting remains a matter of concern against a quality Indian attack. Victory in this match will ensure the top position in Group A.
This article provides a detailed preview of IND vs PAK Match No. 27, including pitch report, weather forecast, head-to-head record, probable playing XIs and live streaming details.
IND vs PAK Match No. 27 Preview:
Date and Place:
Colombo’s R. The Premadasa Stadium will host the high-voltage Group A encounter between India and Pakistan on Sunday, February 15.
Squad:
India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Aga (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saeem Ayub, Babar Azam, Khawaja Nafe (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
IND vs PAK Probable XI:
India is likely to field its strongest eleven for the match. Abhishek Sharma, who was rested for the match against Namibia, may return to the lineup after recovering from a stomach problem. The Men in Blue may consider including Kuldeep Yadav for spin-friendly conditions.
India’s playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shivam Dubey, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
Pakistan are expected to stick with four specialist spinners, with Sam Ayub as a part-time option. In their previous match against the United States, Pakistan played only one specialist fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, and a similar strategy may be adopted again for this encounter.
Pakistan playing eleven: Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Aga (captain), Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
IND vs PAK major battle
Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi:
One of the most exciting contests in the IND vs PAK match will be between Abhishek Sharma and Shaheen Afridi at the top of the innings. Abhishek plays with an aggressive mindset and tries to score runs quickly from the first over.
The left-handed batsman has scored 1,297 runs at a strike rate of 194.45. He recently became the second fastest Indian to reach 1,000 runs in this format. His aggressive style puts pressure on the bowlers but also takes risks.
Shaheen Afridi is known for striking quickly with the new ball. He has taken 129 wickets in his career and has taken a wicket in the first over 25 times in 75 innings. If Shaheen gets movement in Colombo then Abhishek’s aggressive approach may be tested in the powerplay.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Usman Tariq:
The main match will be seen between Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq. Suryakumar, known for his ability to control the field and dominate spin, scored an unbeaten 84 against USA. He has 3,114 career runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 165.64.
However, Usman Tariq has made a great start to his international career. The spinner has taken 11 wickets at an average of 7.90 in just four matches, using his unusual pause-and-deliver action to trouble the batsmen.
R. On the turning surface of the Premadasa Stadium, reading Suryakumar Tariq’s variations could play a major role in deciding whether India will settle for an even total or go beyond it.
Babar Azam vs Jasprit Bumrah:
The big fight worth watching will be between Babar Azam and Jasprit Bumrah. Babar is the backbone of Pakistan’s batting and usually plays the role of anchoring the innings, but he often has to struggle against Bumrah’s pace and accuracy.
Bumrah has returned to the team in strong form and is bowling with pace, control and deadly yorkers. For Pakistan to remain competitive, Babar will have to spend time at the crease. This match can play a decisive role in deciding the outcome of India vs Pakistan match.
Hardik Pandya vs Shadab Khan:
The contest between Hardik Pandya and Shadab Khan can decide the middle overs of the match. Hardik has scored over 2,000 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 144.27. His scoring rate in the death overs often goes close to 200, putting the bowlers under immense pressure.
Shadab Khan will play an important role for Pakistan in this phase. The leg spinner has taken 118 T20I wickets and uses his googly to slow down the big hitters. If Shadab can control Hardik in the middle overs, Pakistan can limit the damage. If Hardik gets going, India can add important runs in the end.
India vs Pakistan Key Players:
India: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma.
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Saim Ayub.
IND vs PAK Free Live Streaming, Live Telecast in India:
TV rights in India: Star Sports Network holds the television broadcast rights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
Live Streaming Platforms in India: The matches will be live-streamed on JioHotstar app and website. Subscription required for online viewing.
When will the match happen? This match will be played on Sunday 15 February.
Where will the match be played? The game will be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
How to watch live telecast of India vs Pakistan match on television? Fans can watch the match live on Star Sports Network channels.
How to live stream the match between India and Pakistan online on mobile? The match can be live streamed on JioHotstar app and website with a valid subscription.
IND vs PAK Weather Report of Colombo:
The weather in Colombo on 15 February is expected to be hot and humid, with the temperature hovering around 28 degrees Celsius during the match. While the forecast is mostly clear and there is only a 25% chance of rain, heavy dew is expected during the second innings.
IND vs PAK pitch report from Colombo:
R. The pitch at Premadasa Stadium traditionally favors spinners, with the ball gaining grip on the surface as the game progresses. The average score in the first innings in T20 at the venue is 143, while the average in the second innings falls to 128.
However, due to evening dew, the surface is likely to become slippery later, making it easier to chase. The captain who wins the toss is expected to bowl first.
IND vs PAK head-to-head records:
| statistics | Matchbox | IND won | pak won | N.R. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| overall | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| In T20 World Cup | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| in sri lanka | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
IND vs PAK head-to-head records: key stats
India and Pakistan have played 16 T20 International matches against each other so far. The Men in Blue have secured 13 wins, while Pakistan have managed only three wins. There was a tied match during the 2007 World Cup, which India famously won via a bowl-out.
India also have a clear lead in ICC tournaments and have maintained a 7-1 record against their neighbours. While India will enter as the statistically stronger side, Pakistan will be able to turn the tables on their day.
IND vs PAK Head-to-Head Record: Last Five Matches
In the last five T20Is played between 2022 and 2025, India have won all five matches. The most recent encounter took place on September 28, 2025, where India won comfortably by five wickets in Dubai.
Earlier, India had defeated Pakistan in both the group stage and Super Six round of Asia Cup 2025. They also registered a six-run win in New York during the T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan’s last win against India in this format came in the Asia Cup in September 2022.
IND vs PAK Head-to-Head Records – Last 5 Matches Results:
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India Won by 5 wickets in Dubai on 28 September 2025
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India Won by 6 wickets in Dubai on 21st September 2025
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India Won by 7 wickets in Dubai on 14 September 2025
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India Won by 6 runs in New York on 9 June 2024
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India Win by 4 wickets in Melbourne on 23 October 2022
IND vs PAK – Conclusion:
India will go into the high-profile encounter with strong confidence after solid wins over the United States and Namibia. The team looks well settled, with both the batting and bowling clicking at the right time. They will be backed by their powerful batting unit to handle the spin-friendly conditions in Colombo.
Pakistan will enter the match riding on the momentum from its win over America. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq can trouble India’s middle order. However, their chances will largely depend on how their top order handles the threat of the new ball from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Also read: Abhishek Sharma out of India vs Pakistan match? Official medical bulletin released