India and Pakistan set for T20 Cup 2026 showdown in Colombo
India holds a clear edge over Pakistan in T20 Internationals. Out of the 16 matches played between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have only won three.
14 February, 2026
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The sport’s fiercest rivalry reignites as the Men in Blue lock horns with their arch-rivals in what promises to be another chapter of high-voltage drama.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India enter the contest brimming with confidence. A commanding 93-run victory over Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium marked their ninth consecutive T20 Cup win.
Batting first, Ishan Kishan set the tone with a breathtaking 61 off just 24 deliveries, peppering the boundary ropes with six fours and five sixes. His fearless approach dismantled the Namibian attack inside the powerplay.
Not to be outdone, Hardik Pandya produced a blistering 52 off 28 balls, combining brute force with calculated aggression. The duo powered India to a formidable 209/9.
With the ball, India’s attack proved equally ruthless. Varun Chakravarthy weaved his mystery to claim three wickets, while Hardik and Axar Patel chipped in with two apiece.
Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube ensured there was no respite, bundling Namibia out for 116 in 18.2 overs.
India currently sit atop Group A with four points, but this is the match that truly matters.
Under the leadership of Salman Agha, Pakistan have quietly gathered steam. A nervy three-wicket win over the Netherlands was followed by a convincing 32-run triumph against the USA.
With four points and second place in Group A, Pakistan will view this encounter as an opportunity to deliver a psychological blow to their biggest rivals.
The surface at Colombo is expected to assist the spinners, bringing India’s all-round depth into sharp focus. Washington Sundar, returning from injury, could play a pivotal role. The Gujarat Titans star has claimed 51 wickets in 58 T20Is while also contributing valuable runs down the order
Players to watch out for
Washington Sundar: An injury scare during New Zealand’s 2026 tour briefly put his T20 Cup hopes in doubt, but Sundar’s swift comeback has strengthened India’s all-round depth at the perfect time. The off-spinning all-rounder could be a game-changer on Sunday.
Ishan Kishan: India’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, Ishan Kishan is in explosive form. His blistering 61 against Namibia and recent T20I century against New Zealand underline his rhythm. Pakistan’s bowlers will need early answers the moment the left-hander walks out.
India vs Pakistan T20 head-to-head
India holds a clear edge over Pakistan in T20 Internationals. Out of the 16 matches played between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have only won three.
