The stage is set for the mother of all battles as arch-rivals India and Pakistan prepare to face off in a high-stakes Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
On Sunday, February 15, the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will be the epicenter of the cricketing world.With both teams entering the contest unbeaten, this match isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s a direct fight for the top spot in the group and a guaranteed ticket to the Super 8s.
India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record in T20 World Cups
History heavily favours the Men in Blue. Out of the 7 encounters between these two sides in T20 World Cup history, India have emerged victorious 7 times, while Pakistan has secured only 1 win (back in 2021). One match famously ended in a tie in 2007, which India eventually won via a bowl-out.
In the broader T20I context, India leads the head-to-head record 13-3, maintaining a psychological edge over their neighbors.
Key player battles to watch
Suryakumar Yadav vs Shaheen Afridi: India’s captain and 360-degree specialist will face his ultimate test against Shaheen’s lethal incoming deliveries during the powerplay.
Babar Azam vs Kuldeep Yadav: Babar has historically struggled against left-arm wrist spin. Kuldeep’s variations will be vital in the middle overs to keep the Pakistani batting line-up in check.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Sahibzada Farhan: Farhan has been in sublime form this tournament, but facing the world’s best death bowler, Bumrah, under lights is a different challenge altogether.
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
| Region | TV and Digital Platforms |
| India | Jio Hotstar (Streaming), Star Sports (TV) |
| Pakistan | PTV, PTV Home (Urdu) and Myco (Streaming: Tapmad, Tamasha, and ARY Zapp) |
| Sri Lanka | Star Sports, Dialog TV and Dialog Play, TV Supreme and Peo TV |
| UK & Ireland | Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event (Streaming: NOW and SkyGO) |
| USA & Canada | Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here) |
| Australia | Amazon Prime Video |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ (Digital via SkyGo and Now) |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| MENA Countries | CricLife Max and CricLife Max2 (Streaming: STARZPLAY), VOX (UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman), Reel (UAE), Roxy, Cinepolis, Star (UAE), Mukta (Bahrain) and Epix Cinema (Bahrain). |
| Bangladesh | Star Sports, T Sports and Nagorik TV (Digital: Toffee and Rabbithole) |
| Caribbean | ESPN (sign up here) (Streaming via ESPN Play Caribbean) |
| Afghanistan | Lemar TV |
| Bhutan and Maldives | Star Sports |
| Italy | Sky Italia |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| Singapore | Hub Sports 4 |
| Pacific Islands | PNG Digicel |
| Nepal | Star Sports, Kantipur Tv and ICC.tv (Non Hindi speakers) |
| Malaysia and Hongkong | Cricbuzz |
| Latin America | Disney + |
| Brazil | ESPN’s Linear TV Platforms (Portuguese) |
| Travelling fans (in-flight and at sea) | Sports 24 |
| Remaining countries | icc.tv |
