India and Pakistan are set to resume their rivalry in a high-stakes Group A clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. The match will be crucial for both sides as they look to secure the top spot in the group and build momentum for the Super 8 stage.
Defending champions India defeated the USA and Namibia in their last two matches. They recorded a 93-run win over Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on February 12. Pakistan secured a convincing victory over the USA in Colombo after narrowly avoiding defeat against the Netherlands.
This article provides details on the probable playing XIs of India and Pakistan for this marquee encounter, offering insight into team selections, tactical changes, and key players to watch in the biggest game of the tournament.
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India Playing XI vs Pakistan:
Suryakumar Yadav will lead a confident Indian side. They have their full-strength squad available, with the medical team clearing all key players for this clash. Abhishek Sharma, who missed the game against Namibia, is likely to return for the clash against Pakistan.
Openers: Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan
The Men in Blue are expected to field Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan at the top of the order. Abhishek can provide India with explosive starts, while Kishan will don the gloves and offer left-handed stability against Pakistan’s new-ball attack.
Abhishek was dismissed for a golden duck during the match against the USA. Kishan, however, has scored 81 runs in two matches at an average of 40.50 and an outstanding strike rate of 202.50. He smashed 61 off 24 balls, including six fours and five sixes, against Namibia.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel
Suryakumar Yadav, with 3,114 T20I runs, remains one of the most dangerous batters in the format. Tilak Varma is expected to play an anchoring role and rotate the strike in the middle overs.
Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide fast-bowling all-rounder options. Performances from Pandya, Dube, and Rinku Singh will be crucial for the team to finish strongly with the bat. Axar Patel offers control with his left-arm spin, which will be vital on the turning Colombo track.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack. Varun Chakravarthy is expected to play as the specialist spinner ahead of Kuldeep Yadav, given his mystery element and recent success in subcontinental conditions. Arshdeep Singh will partner with Bumrah to add left-arm variety to the attack.
Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
Pakistan Playing XI vs India:
Pakistan will enter this contest with a point to prove against their arch-rivals. While they have the talent to beat any side, their consistency remains the biggest question.
Openers: Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan
Saim Ayub brings flair and unconventional strokeplay, while Sahibzada Farhan offers a more measured approach. The pair will look to negotiate the first four overs against Jasprit Bumrah without losing early wickets.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf
Babar Azam is expected to bat in the middle order at number four. Captain Salman Ali Agha provides leadership and stability, while Usman Khan is the designated finisher.
The all-round duo of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz will be Pakistan’s biggest assets on this surface. Shadab’s leg-spin and Nawaz’s accurate left-arm orthodox bowling are designed to slow India’s scoring rate during the middle overs.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
Pakistan are likely to field two specialist spinners alongside Shaheen Afridi. Abrar Ahmed brings traditional leg-spin mystery, but the real X-factor is Usman Tariq. Tariq has troubled batters with his unique action, and Indian batters have not faced him before, which gives Pakistan an advantage.
Probable XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
