Category: Featured

COLOMBO: Pakistan men’s cricket team practice session ahead of their Super Eight opening match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand has been cancelled due to rain. 

The Green Shirts were scheduled to hold a training session before locking horns against the BlackCaps at the RPS Stadium tomorrow. However, the weather has forced them to change their plans.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson is set to hold a press conference at 6:30 pm PKT.

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For those unaware, Pakistan finished second in Group A, winning three out of four games. They faced a 61-run defeat against India while securing wins against Namibia, USA, and the Netherlands.

The 2009 champions are scheduled to play England on February 24 before taking on hosts Sri Lanka in their final encounter on Feb 28.

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Super Eights schedule

February 21: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Colombo

February 24: England vs Pakistan – Kandy

February 28: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Colombo

Other Super Eight Fixtures

February 22: Sri Lanka vs England – Kandy

February 22: India vs South Africa – Ahmedabad

February 23: West Indies vs Zimbabwe – Mumbai

February 25: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – Colombo

February 26: South Africa vs West Indies – Ahmedabad

February 26: India vs Zimbabwe – Chennai

February 27: England vs New Zealand – Colombo

March 1: South Africa vs Zimbabwe – Ahmedabad

March 1: India vs West Indies – Kolkata

READ: Marnus Labuschagne ‘excited’ ahead of PSL debut

The newly added Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen have signed Australia ace all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ahead of the landmark season 11.

The signing was confirmed via the franchise’s official social media accounts.

“𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑷𝑳𝑨𝒀𝑴𝑨𝑲𝑬𝑹. 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑩𝑰𝑮-𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑮𝑬 𝑩𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑻. 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑿-𝑭𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑶𝑹. Impossible? That’s not a word in his dictionary,” the franchise wrote.

“Inevitable? Nothing but destruction. Hold onto your seats tight, the biggest show in #HBLPSL is about to begin,” it added.

This will be the talismanic batter’s first appearance in the PSL, having previously represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Glenn Maxwell, 37, has extensive experience with 129 T20I matches and scored 2,897 runs at a strike rate of 158.42.

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Overall, he has played 502 T20s, amassing 10,986 runs at an average of 27.53, including eight centuries and 58 half-centuries. The right-hander has also recorded the highest score of 154.

For the unversed, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen secured their place in the PSL after being acquired by Fawad Sarwar’s Kingsmen Group, who won the franchise rights with a bid worth Rs1.75 billion (approximately $6.25 million).

On the field, the franchise has begun shaping a competitive squad.

They retained promising talents Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Akif Javed, while also strengthening their lineup with the direct signing of Australian star batter Marnus Labuschagne for the upcoming season.

The team has also assembled an experienced coaching staff. Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed head coach, with Grant Bradburn set to serve as fielding coach under his leadership.

The landmark PSL 11 season is scheduled to begin on March 26, while the much-anticipated player auction will take place on February 11.

Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen squad:

Saim Ayub, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (Direct Signing), Glenn Maxwell, Usman Khan, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Hassan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Ottniel Baartman, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, and Tayyab Arif.

READ: T20 World Cup: Unbeaten Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka in thrilling win

COLOMBO: Sahibzada Farhan’s maiden T20I century and clinical bowling powered Pakistan to a big 102-run win over Namibia in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 must-win clash on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

Set a daunting target, Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs.

Namibia’s openers started steadily in the chase, adding 32 in 4.1 overs. However, Salman Mirza’s first breakthrough stalled the Eagles’ chase.

After losing the first wicket, Namibia never came back in the game as Pakistan bowlers tightened the screws with regular wickets.

As a result, Namibia were reduced to 49-4 in 7.3 overs.

JJ Smit and Alexander Busing-Volschenk tried to arrest the slide with a 30-run partnership. The pair managed to bring the total to 79 in 12.3 overs.

But it was Usman Tariq’s mystery and Shadab Khan’s sharp leg spin bowling that quickly unraveled Namibia’s innings.

Louren Steenkamp top-scored with 23 off 22 balls with the aid of three fours and a six.

For Pakistan, Usman Tariq stood out among the bowlers, picking up a four-wicket haul. Shadab Khan supported him well with his three wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a formidable 199-3 against Namibia in their 20 overs.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan made a brisk start as Farhan and Saim Ayub stitched together a quickfire 40-run opening stand in just over five overs.

The partnership ended when Jack Brassell dismissed Ayub for 14 off 12 balls, an innings that included two boundaries.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha then joined Farhan at the crease, and the pair built a steady 67-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding Pakistan past the 100-run mark and laying the foundation for a big total.

Brassell struck again to remove Agha for a well-made 38 off 23 balls, leaving Pakistan at 107-2 in 12.1 overs.

Youngster Khawaja Nafay was promoted to number four but could only manage five runs before falling to Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus.

Sahibzada Farhan, however, continued to dominate. Joined by Shadab Khan, the duo added an unbeaten 81-run stand for the fourth wicket to propel Pakistan to an imposing total.

Shadab, after a cautious start, accelerated to finish on 36 off 22 balls, striking one four and three sixes.

The night, though, belonged to Farhan. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 100 from 58 deliveries, hammering 11 fours and four sixes in a commanding display of strokeplay.

With this milestone, he became only the second Pakistani batter after Ahmed Shehzad to score a century in a Men’s T20 World Cup.

READ: South Africa cruise past UAE to seal perfect group-stage run

COLOMBO: Pakistan are expected to ring in a few tactical changes in their Playing XI for their crucial Group A encounter against Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Wednesday.

With qualification for the Super Eight stage on the line, team management is weighing conditions and combinations carefully, though sources have dismissed rumours surrounding the exclusion of opener Sahibzada Farhan.

The right-hander is set to retain his place in the XI. However, if Pakistan opt to open with Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, Farhan is likely to slot in at number four.

Conditions at the venue are also expected to influence selection. With a visible grass covering on the pitch, Pakistan are likely to favour pace over spin, which could see fast bowler Salman Mirza replace spinner Abrar Ahmed in the playing XI.

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Meanwhile, young batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay is tipped to come in for all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

Pakistan head into the contest under pressure following a heavy defeat to arch-rivals India earlier in the tournament. The 2009 champions currently sit third in Group A with two wins and one loss, holding a net run rate of -0.403.

A victory over Namibia would take Pakistan to six points and secure their passage into the Super Eight stage with a second-place finish in the group.

Likely Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

READ: Nepal sign off T20 World Cup with win over Scotland

PALLEKELE: Zimbabwe booked their place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after their crucial Group B clash against Ireland was washed out due to rain at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, a result that officially ended Australia’s campaign.

The abandoned match handed one point each to both teams, taking Zimbabwe to five points and confirming them as the second side from Group B to advance, alongside Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, this result sealed Australia’s fate, who were already under pressure after defeats to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Their qualification hopes depended on Zimbabwe losing to both Ireland and Oman, which would have kept the race open on four points.

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Australia would then have needed a convincing win over Oman in their final group match to progress on net run rate.

However, the shared points between Zimbabwe and Ireland shut that door completely. Even a win in their last fixture can now only take Australia to four points, leaving them mathematically out of contention.

It marks the second time Australia have crashed out in the group stage of a Men’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland, meanwhile, also bowed out of the tournament. With just one victory — against Oman, they finished their campaign with three points.

READ: Canada’s Yuvraj Samra breaks Ahmed Shehzad record in T20 World Cup

KOLKATA: Will Jack’s record fifty helped sloppy England edge past Italy in a nervy 24-run win in the 29th fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Eden Gardens on Monday.

More to follow…

Set 203, Italy were bowled out for 178 on the final ball of the innings.

Jofra Archer inflicted a poor start on Italy lost their three wickets inside four overs.

Consequently, Italy were 22-3 when skipper Ben Manenti arrived at the crease and steadied their innings with a 92-run stand alongside Justin Mosca.

The duo not only launched a recovery but also counterattacked, keeping the required run rate in control.

The promising stand eventually culminated with Ben Manenti’s wicket, who was caught after tonking Will Jacks for two sixes and a four.

Jacks had the last laugh as he was caught long on, scoring 60 off 25, hitting six maximums and four boundaries.

Despite the wicket, Italy were in the hunt with Grant Stewart providing them hope, hitting a brisk 45 from 23 with the aid of five sixes and two fours.

But his wicket in the penultimate over dashed Azurri’s hopes of sealing a memorable win.

For England, Jamie Overton took three wickets in his four overs while giving away only 18.

Earlier, England posted 202-7 in their 20 overs in a must-win Group C clash against Italy.

Most of England’s batters got good starts against the lowest-ranked team in the tournament after Harry Brook won the toss and chose to bat.

But only Jacks, who reached his fifty off 21 balls, capitalised as Italy kept chipping away with regular wickets.

Jacks took the game by the scruff of the neck after England stuttered to 105-5 in the 13th over.

He put on 54 in 25 balls with Sam Curran (25) for the sixth wicket and 35 in 16 balls with Jamie Overton (15) for the seventh.

His fourth six, which took him to his fifty, also saw England pass 200 for the first time in the tournament, with Jacks finishing 53 not out off 22 balls.

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An England win will guarantee their passage to the Super Eights along with the already-qualified West Indies from Group C.

A defeat will leave them with two wins and two losses from their four matches and reliant on the final group results this week going their way.

England named an unchanged side for the third match running and were 56-2 at the end of the six-over power play, having lost both openers.

Jos Buttler, who has failed to pass 30 in the tournament so far, continued his run of low scores with three.

Phil Salt got off to a rapid start before also falling for 28 off 15 balls with two sixes.

Both were caught attempting big hits and, when Jacob Bethell followed suit for 23, England were wobbling at 67-3 in the eighth over.

Brook took a four and a six off the first two balls of JJ Smuts’ third over.

He edged the next ball to wicketkeeper Gian-Piero Meade, trying to cut, and England were 92-4 after 11 overs.

READ: Shahid Afridi slams senior trio after loss to India

COLOMBO: Ishan Kishan’s majestic 77 and a resounding bowling performance from India bowlers overwhelmed Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, played here at the RPS Stadium on Sunday.

Set a stiff 176, Pakistan fell way short of the target and were skittled for 114 in 18 overs.

Pakistan were off to a horror start as they lost 13-3 in the first two overs.

Hardik Pandya started the proceedings with Sahibzada Farhan’s (0) wicket before ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah sent back Saim Ayub (6) and Salman Ali Agha (4) in one over.

After an early blow, Usman Khan and Babar Azam tried to arrest the slide with a brief 21-run partnership.

However, the Green Shirts’ woes compounded when Babar Azam, trying to play slog sweep, was cleaned bowled by Axar Patel.

His poor run in the T20Is continued as he managed only five.

Despite the wickets tumbling around him, Usman counterattacked in a bid to take control of the required run rate.

His resistance ended when Pakistan were 73 in 10.4 overs. He remained the top-scorer with 44 from 34 balls, laced with six fours and a six.

Following his dismissal, Pakistan’s innings quickly unraveled with none of the batters showing grit in front of a disciplined Indian bowling attack.

For India, it was an all-round bowling performance with each of the main bowlers picking up a wicket.

Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, Ishan Kishan’s batting carnage powered India into a commanding position before Saim Ayub’s spin wizardry halted their progress.

Put into bat first, India racked up 175-7 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan inflicted a poor start on India with Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal in the very first over.

The left-hander was caught for a duck in an interesting move from skipper Salman Ali Agha, who himself decided to bowl the opening over.

After an early wicket, Ishan Kishan unleashed fireworks that Pakistan could not control till the halfway mark of the innings.

He forged a 87 run partnership off 46 with Tilak Varma to keep India afloat. The pair brought the scorecard to 88 in 8.4 overs.

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Kishan played the core aggressor role while Varma played the second fiddle.

Pakistan managed to hold on as the stand eventually culminated with Kishan’s wicket.

He remained the top-scorer with a sublime 77 from 40, peppered with 10 fours and three sixes.

Despite the wicket, India carried on the momentum as skipper Suryakumar Yadav stitched a cautious 38-run stand with Varma.

India were 126 in 14.2 overs when Saim Ayub turned the game with his double-wicket over.

The right-arm off-spinner removed Varma and Haridk Pandya on back-to-back deliveries to make a strong comeback.

Varma made a sluggish 25 from 24 with the aid of a six and two fours, whereas Pandya was caught on long off for a duck.

Consequently, India suddenly slumped to 126-4 in 14.3 overs.

After quick wickets, Pakistan effectively managed to slow down India’s progress despite a brief stand of 33 between Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube.

Yadav eventually departed after scoring 32 from 29, while Dube played till the end, ensuring that India posted an above-par score.

The left-hander struck 27 off 17 with the aid of three fours and a six.

For Pakistan, it was Saim Ayub who stood out with the ball, picking up three wickets in his four overs while giving away only 25.

Usman Tariq was the other bowler who remained economical. The off-spinner gave only 24 in his four overs and took the important wicket of the Indian skipper.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, and Abrar Ahmed.

India: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

READ: USA keep T20 World Cup hopes alive with win over Namibia

COLOMBO: Ishan Kishan’s quick-fire 77, followed by a dominant bowling attack, helped India defeat Pakistan in the blockbuster match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium.

IND 114 (18 Overs)

17.6: Usman Tariq 0 (3)
Tariq backs away and then makes a feeble attempt at a back-foot punch. The ball breezes past the outside edge and then rattles into the stumps.

Hardik Pandya to bowl

IND 106/9 (17 Overs)

Rinku Singh to bowl now

IND 97/9 (16 Overs)

15.4: Abrar Ahmed 0 (1)
Googly on the back of a length just outside off. Abrar has no clue about it. The ball jams him on the pad right in front.

15.3: Faheem Ashraf 10 (14)
Faheem chances his arm, but the ball is well inside the deep mid-wicket fence, and Rinku was never going to drop that.

Varun Chakravarthy returns

IND 94/7 (15 Overs)

Tilak Varma continues

IND 89/7 (14 Overs)

Kuldeep Yadav continues

IND 84/7 (13 Overs)

12.1: Shadab Khan 14 (15)
Shadab thinks he can smash this into the ocean, but slices across it way too much, and Dube settles under it at long off to hand Tilak a wicket.

Tilak Varma gets the ball

IND 78/6 (12 Overs)

11.4: Mohammad Nawaz 4 (5)
Nawaz tries to shovel it away, but the shot lacks the power to clear the fence. Shivam Dube moves a little to his right and pouches it.

Kuldeep Yadav continues

IND 73/5 (11 Overs)

10.4: Usman Khan 44 (34)
Usman steps out of his crease and is nowhere close to the pitch of the ball; the wicket-keeper whipped off the bails.

Axar Patel continues

IND 71/4 (10 Overs)

Kuldeep Yadav comes to bowl

IND 66/4 (9 Overs)

Axar Patel continues

IND 57/4 (8 Overs)

Varun Chakravarthy continues

IND 47/4 (7 Overs)

Axar Patel continues

IND 38/4 (6 Overs)

Varun Chakravarthy comes to bowl

IND 34/4 (5 Overs)

4.5: Babar Azam 5 (7)
Babar has a massive slog at it and gets nowhere close to the ball, which also comes in with the arm.

Axar Patel replaces Hardik Pandya

IND 25/3 (4 Overs)

Bumrah continues

IND 21/3 (3 Overs)

Hardik Pandya continues

IND 13/3 (2 Overs)

1.6: Salman Ali Agha 4 (4)
Salman tries to pick this up and dump it over mid wicket, but the shape is all wrong, and mid on cannot believe the offering that has come his way.

1.2: Saim Ayub 6 (2)
In-swinging yorker, starting on middle and then swerving in. Ayub seems to fall across and then plays all around it. The bat is nowhere near the ball as it kisses the front pad first.

Jasprit Bumrah to bowl the second over

IND 0/1 (1 Over)

0.4: Sahibzada Farhan 0 (4)
Dug in short outside off and Farhan, after three dot balls, feels the pinch to get one away, and Rinku, stationed at mid on, makes no mistake.

Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub come out to open the innings for Pakistan, while Hardik Pandya is taking the new ball for Team India.

PAKISTAN vs INDIA (1st INNINGS)

COLOMBO: Ishan Kishan’s quick-fire 77 helped India post against Pakistan in the blockbuster match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium.

IND 175/7 (20 Overs)

19.6: Axar Patel 0 (1)
The bat face closes upon impact, and Axar arrows it towards deep mid wicket, where Ayub runs in and gobbles up the chance smartly.

19.5: Shivam Dube 27 (17)
There is some confusion between the batters, and the end result is that Dube has been run out.

Shaheen Afridi to bowl the final over

IND 159/5 (19 Overs)

18.5: Suryakumar Yadav 32 (29)
Tossed up on a length on middle and off, SKY looks for the slog sweep but has no pace to work with. Saim Ayub pockets an easy catch!

Usman Tariq to bowl the penultimate over

IND 154/4 (18 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed returns

IND 140/4 (17 Overs)

Usman Tariq returns

IND 136/4 (16 Overs)

Mohammad Nawaz continues

IND 127/4 (15 Overs)

14.3: Hardik Pandya 0 (1)
Hardik goes a mile up, and he bites the dust as the ball safely lands in the hands of Babar Azam.

14.2: Tilak Varma 25 (24)
Zipped in full on the middle stump, Tilak looks to tonk it into tomorrow via a slog sweep but misses it completely as the ball comes in with the arm.

Saim Ayub returns to the attack

IND 125/2 (14 Overs)

Mohammad Nawaz continues

IND 118/2 (13 Overs)

Usman Tariq continues

IND 108/2 (12 Overs)

Mohammad Nawaz continues

IND 98/2 (11 Overs)

Usman Tariq replaces Saim Ayub

IND 92/2 (10 Overs)

Mohammad Nawaz comes onto the bowl

IND 89/2 (9 Overs)

8.4: Ishan Kishan 77 (40)
Kishan backs away, perhaps trying to force the ball through the offside. The ball spins appreciably, sticks in the surface, and the stumps have been rattled.

Saim Ayub returns

IND 82/1 (8 Overs)

Shadab Khan comes onto the attack

IND 65/1 (7 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed continues

IND 52/1 (6 Overs)

Saim Ayub continues

IND 41/1 (5 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed replaces Salman Ali Agha

IND 30/1 (4 Overs)

Saim Ayub replaces Shaheen Afridi in the attack

IND 25/1 (3 Overs)

Salman Ali Agha continues

IND 16/1 (2 Overs)

Shaheen Afridi comes to bowl from the other end

IND 1/1 (1 Over)

0.6: Abhishek Sharma 0 (4)
Darted in on the back of a length on middle and leg. Skids on and gets a little big on Abhishek. He has a hack at it, but all he musters is a tame chip to Shaheen.

Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan come out to open the innings for India, while skipper Salman Ali Agha is taking the new ball for the Green Shirts.

PAKISTAN vs INDIA (1st INNINGS)

COLOMBO: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first against arch-rivals India in the blockbuster match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed.

India: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

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HEAD TO HEAD

Historically, India have held the upper hand in T20 Internationals, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the two sides, with Pakistan claiming three victories.

Overall matches: 16, India: 12, Pakistan: 3, Tied: 1

In T20 World Cup clashes, India lead 7-1, with one match ending in a tie at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup.

Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in the group stage. The Green Shirts have secured wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have defeated the USA and Namibia.

READ: T20 World Cup: India-Pakistan captains skip handshake at toss

COLOMBO: Pakistan are set to stick with a winning formula as they prepare for their blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 later today, with team management likely to field an unchanged playing XI.

According to reports from Colombo, the think tank has decided against tinkering with the combination that secured a convincing victory over the United States earlier this week, signalling confidence in both balance and momentum ahead of the high-pressure encounter.

The expected line-up will see captain Salman Ali Agha continue at number three, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub set to open the innings.

Star batter Babar Azam is slated to follow at four, while wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan is likely to anchor the middle order.

Pakistan’s combination offers depth in both departments, with Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf providing all-round strength and multiple bowling options.

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In the bowling attack, Shaheen Shah Afridi remains the primary pace spearhead, supported by mystery spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, whose variations could prove crucial on Colombo conditions.

Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in the group stage, setting up another intense chapter in cricket’s fiercest rivalry.

Pakistan registered wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India defeated the USA and Namibia to maintain their perfect start.

Historically, India have held the upper hand in T20 Internationals, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the two sides, with Pakistan claiming three victories.

In T20 World Cup clashes, India lead 6-1, with one encounter ending in a no result.

Pakistan likely XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.

WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav mimics Usman Tariq’s action

COLOMBO: Weather could play spoilsport in the much-anticipated Pakistan vs India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with forecasts indicating a significant chance of rain on Sunday, February 15.

The high-voltage encounter at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is already surrounded by drama after uncertainty earlier threatened the fixture.

However, while the political and administrative hurdles were eventually cleared, attention has now shifted to Colombo’s unpredictable weather.

According to forecasts, there is around a 50 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms during the match window, with nearly 2.1mm of rainfall expected.

The conditions raise the possibility of interruptions and, in the worst-case scenario, a complete washout if the weather fails to improve.

As per tournament regulations, both sides would share one point each should the match be abandoned.

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Despite the looming weather threat, the result is unlikely to significantly impact qualification scenarios.

Both teams currently sit at the top of Group A with two wins each, India leading on net run rate.

A washout would move both sides to five points, keeping them firmly on course for a place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Historically, India have held the upper hand in this rivalry in the shortest format.

Out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have secured three victories.

In T20 World Cup meetings, India lead 6-1, with one encounter ending in no result.

READ: Will Abhishek Sharma be available for India-Pakistan clash?