India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup: Ishan Kishan stars as India humiliate Pakistan in Colombo

India qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8. They have maintained an unbeaten record and have a net run rate of +3.050. USA go second after Pakistan's loss and NRR hit. Pakistan have an NRR of -0.403. USA have a positive NRR of +0.787.

Ishan Kishan: 77 off 40

Hardik Pandya does the clean-up job as he cleans up Usman Tariq. India win by 61 runs. Pakistan are bowled out for 114. This was a dismantling performance. The only Pakistani batter who turned up today was Usman Khan. The rest just filled up the numbers in this humiliating defeat.

This was India's biggest winning margin against Pakistan in a T20 World Cup match. And with that, India made it 8-1 on head-to-head in T20 WC.

It seems like India want the crowd to be there till the end of 20th over as Suryakumar Yadav calls up Rinku Singh to bowl. India are not taking this match seriously anymore. And Shaheen Afridi hit him for two fours.

Varun Chakaravarthy beat Usman Tariq with the flight. But it was a bit short and even as India take the review, the on-field decision was right.

Varun Chakaravarthy is on a hat-trick as he traps Abrar Ahmed LBW. The ball turned a bit and hit Abrar on the pad. Pakistan took a review that was never going to be overturned. Pakistan are 9 down for 97.

Pakistan lose their 8th wicket as their hope, Faheem Ashraf, falls for 10 off 14. Ashraf tried to pull the Varun Chakaravarthy delivery but had no timing and gave away an easy catch for Rinku Singh.

Tilak Varma drops another catch. This was off his bowling as Shaheen Afridi top-edged his delivery. Tilak ran back and tried to take to take catch but could not hold on to it. Poor effort from Tilak. Pakistan need 82 off 30.

Pakistan need 87 runs off the last 36 balls. Faheem Ashraf is their last hope as Shaheen Afridi's slogging won't come good on this pitch. This is mission impossible, considering the pitch.

Since that unbeaten 68-run knock in the T20 World Cup 2021 against India, leading Pakistan to a famous 10-wicket victory, Babar Azam has been abysmal against India. He has averaged 8.40 in 5 innings against India. His highest score in those games are just 14.

Babar Azam vs India in T20I

• 68 off 52, 2021, Dubai
• 10 off 9, 2022, Dubai
• 14 off 10, 2022, Dubai
• 0 off 1, 2022, Melbourne
• 13 off 10, 2024, New York
• 5 off 7, 2026, Colombo

Pakistan are in a hurry now as Shadab Khan departs, trying to force a big shot against Tilak Varma's spin. And with that, Pakistan are 7 down with 98 runs still needed off 47 balls.

Kuldeep Yadav joins the party now as Mohammad Nawaz departs, trying to hit a full toss delivery. The ball was dipping and Nawaz had no timing whatsoever. Shivam Dube took the easy catch.

Usman Khan attempts to step out of the crease but gets outfoxed by Axar Patel as the batter gets stumped out. Pakistan lose half their side as their well-set batter has to depart for 44 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav bowls an excellent first over as he keeps the Pakistan batters on their toes and concedes just 5 runs in his first over of the game and the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan manage to reach 71/4 at the halfway stage of the run-chase and need 105 runs from 60 balls

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Indian Cricket fans root for Team India while watching the #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 India vs Pakistan match at the Marina beach in Chennai pic.twitter.com/RwRWEsffRH

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2026

The powerplay phase is done and Pakistan have faltered in the run-chase thus far. It all started with Hardik Pandya removing Sahibzada Farhan in the very first over. In the 2nd over, Jasprit Bumrah struck twice to get rid of Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha. Shortly after, Babar Azam followed as Axar Patel joined the party. At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan have only managed to reach 38/4 and need 138 runs from 84 balls

Axar Patel comes into bowl in the 5th over after a couple of overs from Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. He castles Babar Azam in the 4th delivery after the spinner was smashed for back to back boundaries earlier in the over. Pakistan have lost their 4th wicket

"THEY CANNOT PLAY HIM!" 🔥

Jasprit Bumrah gets Saim Ayub & Salman Agha out in the same over! Pakistan are 3 down 🥶

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/SpqYo6n3dL pic.twitter.com/2mVlsnJBqI

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 15, 2026

Jasprit Bumrah strikes twice in the over as Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha gets out for just 4 runs. Hardik Pandya takes a simple catch as Jasprit Bumrah strikes twice in an over. Pakistan in deep trouble

Jasprit Bumrah traps Saim Ayub before the wickets with a perfect yorker. The batter decides to take a review. Ball-tracking shows the delivery going on to hit the stumps. Bumrah gets his man and India have struck twice in quick succession.

Hardik Pandya has struck in the first over. His short balls are a lethal weapon and a weakness for Shahibzada Farhan. As he tried to take him on the short ball, he top-edged for an easy catch for Rinku Singh. Hardik bowls a wicket-maiden over as Pakistan score 0/1.

No sixes, no documentary? Aisa kaise ho sakta hai 🤐

Hardik Pandya 🤝 Rinku Singh

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/SpqYo6n3dL pic.twitter.com/2YlRIY60pv

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 15, 2026

Saim Ayub and Shahibzada Farhan begin 176 chase. Will India bowl spin as heavily as Pakistan have done? Or they would bowl Jasprit Bumrah his full quota and so will Hardik Pandya? Hardik will bowl the opening over.

Shaheen Afridi takes a wicket on the last ball as Axar Patel becomes the third Indian to fall for a duck after Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya. India end up with 175/7. Will that be enough?

There was no second run but Rinku Singh wanted it anyway. As Shivam Dube stepped out to take the second, Pakistan keeper Usman collected the ball well and removed the stumps.

Shivam Dube begins the 19th over with a four against Shaheen Afridi. Rinku joins the party as he hammers Afridi over the square for a 4 and then follows it up with a six.

Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube are on the crease and Shaheen Afridi will bowl the last over.

Pakistan's mystery spinner Usman Tariq finally has a wicket against India. He was dealt with well, despite bowling an economic spell. But as SKY tried to go for a big shot, he mistimed and gave away a catch. It was more of scoreboard pressure than Tariq's brilliance. SKY departs for 32 off 29. India 159/5.

Shivam Dube was searching for loose balls and Abrar Ahmed served that on a platter. He bowled a shortish googly and Dube said thank you with a towering six. India 154/4 in 18.

Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube haven't found a way to score quick runs against Pakistani spin attack. With just three overs to go, India need some quick runs.

India have lost the momentum and it will be on Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube to take India past 180-190.

Saim Ayub won't have a hat-trick. Ayub beat Shivam Dube on the hat-trick ball and even as there was a loud shout, the umpire gave it not out. The replays showed that the ball missed the bat and the stumps. What an excellent spell by Saim Ayub as he ends with three wickets for 25 runs.

Pakistan are back in the game as Hardik Pandya falls for a golden duck, trying to take on Saim Ayub on the carrom ball. But he miscued the shot and Babar Azam took an easy catch. India 126/4.

End of the struggles for Tilak Varma as he is trapped LBW by Saim Ayub. It was a quicker delivery and as Tilak tried to sweep him, he was beaten. He tried to convince SKY for a review but he was advised against it. During the drinks break, Gautam Ganbhir came and had a chat with him. But that seems to have no effect. India lose their 3rd wicket for 126.

Poor from Shadab Khan as he misfields at the boundary line for the ball to go for a four. India were looking for that boundary in the last two overs. Suryakumar and Tilak are on crease as India enter the last six overs with 125/2.

Suryakumar Yadav tried to go for a sweep against Mohd Nawaz and was beaten. The ball hit his leg. But umpire Kumar Dharmasena gave it not out. Pakistan took the review immediately and the replays showed that the ball was just kissing the leg stump. However, it returned as umpire's call and SKY can breathe a sigh of relief.

Ishan Kishan had done the heavy lifting in that partnership. But now, Tilak Varma needs to up the scoring rate. He is on 20 off 18 balls. As Suryakumar Yadav is new on the crease, he must take charge with 8 overs remaining.

Suryakumar Yadav welcomes Pakistan's mystery bowler Usman Tariq with a boundary. But Tariq won't be easy to face as he proves that by stunning Tilak Varma. But Tilak was safe on crease.

India are 92/2 after 10 overs, as Mohd Nawaz bowls a great over, conceding just 3 runs. At the halfway stage, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma are on the crease. But with Ishan Kishan gone, the scoring rate has dipped significantly.

With right-hander Suryakumar Yadav coming to the crease, Pakistan have gone for their 6th bowler Mohd Nawaz, who bowls left-arm spin. They still have Usman Tariq in reserve.

But Saim Ayub has the last laugh as he cleans up Ishan Kishan. Ishan was waiting for the ball to tunr but this time, there was no turn on offer and the ball kept straight to shatter the stumps. Ishan oes for 40-ball 77 after an excellent knock. India 88/2 in 8.4 overs.

Saim Ayub has bowled really well so far but Ishan Kishan looks unstoppable as he goes for a switch hit and the ball sails over for a six.

After dominating Abrar Ahmed, Ishan Kishan takes on Shadab Khan for a six and a four to plunder Pakistan's bowling. Ishan ends up hitting Shadab for 17 runs.

Ishan Kishan has played an excellent knock as he extends his form with a 27-ball fifty. He gets to his 9th T20I fifty with a hat-trick of boundaries against Abrar Ahmed.

Ishan Kishan managed to find another boundary against Saim Ayub, while Tilak Varma edged one through the slip to end the powerplay with 52/1.

Another spinner comes in as Abrar Ahmed is introduced to the attack and Ishan Kishan sweeps him for a six. As Abrar bowls widish delivery, Ishan cuts him through the square for a four. Ishan is commanding this passage of play now.

This pitch won't permit an explosive start and with Pakistan introducing Saim Ayub to the attack, the run rate in the powerplay will be on the lower side. However, after two dot balls, Ishan Kishan has managed to find a boundary, pulling Ayub.

With two ducks in two matches, Abhishek Sharma now has as many ducks as Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli as an opener in T20 World Cup.

Most Ducks in T20WC by Indian Openers

• 2 - Abhishek Sharma
• 2 - Gautam Gambhir
• 2 - Virat Kohli

Ishan Kishan pulls Shaheen Afridi on a short ball for a six to welcome him in the second delivery. And then, an edge goes for a four. Shaheen ended up conceding 15 runs in his first over. Tilak Varma has joined him in the middle after Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck.

After a golden duck in the 1st match against USA, Abhishek Sharma goes for a four-ball duck as he tries to go for an aggressive shot, only to mistime. He gives away an easy catch to Shaheen Afridi. India 1/1 after 1.

Abhishek Sharma has looked in good touch as he has middled all deliveries well, but hasn't been able to clear the in-field.

Two left-handers, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan will begin for India. Who will bowl the first over for Pakistan? It looks like Salman Agha has himself picked up the responsibility,

Both teams are in the middle for the national anthems. Jaya, jaya, jaya he echoes around Premadasa stadium as fans join in.

Yuzvendra Chahal has an idea on how to face Usman Tariq, Pakistan's million-dollar mystery.

Best way to play 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/eLiD2pSit9

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) February 15, 2026

Pakistan will be in a position of advantage with chasing teams winning 10 out of 13 matches since 2021 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav snubbed Salman Agha again for a handshake. It has continued since the Asia Cup 2025.

As expected, Abhishek Sharma returns in place of Sanju Samson. Kuldeep Yadav comes back in place of Arshdeep Singh. Hardik Pandya will be India's second pacer after Jasprit Bumrah.

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Pakistan captain Salman Agha wins the toss and opts to bowl. India bat first.

With Abhishek Sharma set to return, Sanju Samson will go out. However, what about Arshdeep Singh? Will India go with an additional spinner in Kuldeep Yadav or a spin all-rounder in Washington Sundar in place of Arshdeep Singh? There is a chance that Washington Sundar plays in place of Rinku Singh for spin depth but as he can also bat, it will strengthen the batting too. For Kuldeep to play, Arshdeep Singh will be out.

USA have beaten Namibia by 31 runs to eliminate Namibia from this T20 World Cup. The winner of the India vs Pakistan match will qualify for the Super 8. The losing team will have to fight against USA and Netherlands for a spot in the Super 8.

Rohit Sharma is in attendance today. He is the brand ambassador of T20 World Cup 2026. And he greets the Indian players in the dugout.

The light drizzle continues but not enough to stop the warm-ups or the pre-match live show by Hanumankind. 

کولمبو کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم اس وقت مکمل طور پر بادلوں کی لپیٹ میں ھے سورج غائب ہے ۔ہلکی ہلکی بوندا باندی بھی ھو۔ رہی ھے لیکن اچھی بات یہ ھے امید ھے کہ پورا میچ ھو گا #T20WorldCup2026 #PakVsIndia #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/W5wTiuXHVw

— Abdul Rehman Raza (@abdulrehmanraza) February 15, 2026

Hanumankind is performing at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo ahead of the India vs Pakistan match. 

Abhishek Sharma is all fit and is raring to go. He warms up with Shahibzada Farhan from the other end.

Abhishek Sharma is in
🔥🔥🔥🔥#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/PXD9zOpLBU

— Arattai Squad (@arattaiSquad) February 15, 2026

As was the prediction, the rain has arrived in Colombo. However, it's just a drizzle and should not have a big impact on the game.

Former ICC Elite Panel umpire Anil Chaudhary decodes Usman Tariq's action. Is the pause legal? Is he chucking?

Watch Anil Chaudhary, ICC panel umpire , decode Tariq's action and it's legality in cricket's laws... pic.twitter.com/1o9y6phqvC

— Pradeep Magazine (@pradeepmagazine) February 15, 2026

R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is almost sold out and despite the rain threat, people have come in large numbers. Some fans made it to the stadium as early as 3 PM. However, there are still a few seats left for online sale. 

India Vs Pakistan: Cricket’s biggest rivalry.

R Premadasa filling up.

The energy is unreal. 🇮🇳🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/zgwq9UvEj7

— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) February 15, 2026

Pakistan team also arrive at the R Premadasa stadium. The two teams will shortly begin their warm-up drills. 

Pakistan have left for the R. Premadasa Stadium #INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/XFY9BfAb3y

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 15, 2026

VIDEO | Colombo, Sri Lanka: Indian Cricket Team arrives at R Premadasa Stadium for T20 World Cup game against Pakistan.#IndiaVsPakistan

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/eNW27eIJtx

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 15, 2026

It remains to be seen if Rinku Singh will be a part of India's playing XI for the IND vs PAK clash. Regardless, the UP star's sister has sent in her wishes ahead of the big contest.

"I want my brother to make the Indian team win the match today by hitting fours and sixes. He keeps on playing like this and keeps giving his best performance. The whole Indian team will give the best performance," Rinku Singh's sister told ANI.

The much awaited IND vs PAK clash at the T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to commence shortly in Colombo. Suryakumar Yadav and co. will enter the game with an upper hand, having beaten Pakistan 7 times in the past in T20 World Cup. However, T20Is are unpredictable and so are the results. Take a look at the match prediction for the contest and who will emerge victorious in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash.

Indian fans in large attendance

70% Blue, 30% Green, Josh High Hai ! #INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/6oyEnjsj9M

— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) February 15, 2026

Just to give a perspective, as to why both the teams might go spin heavy tonight; At Colombo in the last decade, spinners have bagged 92 wickets at an economy of 6.5, while pacers have bagged 81 at 7.9

Another thing to look at is.. will Pakistan go spin heavy and have all -- Nawaz, Abrar, Saim, Shadab and USman Tariq? It will be a brave decision, if that does happen.

Babar might be a world-class player but truth be told, he has been poor in the format. He is a bit of a weaklink in this team and should be left out.

As expected, heavy security in Colombo

From inside the stadium…. Heavy security check ongoing inside the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo as the much awaited #INDvsPAK match expected to begin in a few hours.. long queues already at the gates!

Video - Kushan Pathiraja (Daily Mirror) pic.twitter.com/9uZymJFoaJ

— Jamila Husain (@Jamz5251) February 15, 2026

Ganguly on India's chances:"I don't believe in head-to-head figures. I don't believe in the favourites tag, especially in T20 cricket. What I believe is that India start as a much stronger team than Pakistan. India are a very good team. They are very well balanced in batting, bowling, seam bowling, spin bowling, fielding and game sense. They have big match experience. So they start as the stronger side. But whether India win or not will be decided by the 40 overs in Colombo."

Sun is out for now

Sun's peaking out in Colombo... #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/7TK38T8Eop

— Pratyush Sinha (@prat1204) February 15, 2026

3 hours remain for the match

📍 Colombo

All pumped up for our next challenge in the #T20WorldCup 🙌#TeamIndia | #MenInBlue pic.twitter.com/RXTFg91buy

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2026

It is 4 pm in India now and the wait is about to get over for IND vs PAK. The toss is at 6.30 pm and the match starts at 7 pm.

Among all the dignitiries, Rohit Sharma could also be in attendance for the match as he is he brand ambassdor for the ICC T20 World Cup.

Vaughan says, India will win

India .. https://t.co/ErflFnApsN

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 15, 2026

"I don't think players will feel pressure just because it is India vs Pakistan. Players are used to pressure. They face it every day. When India play Australia, South Africa or England, they also have to win. So playing Pakistan is no different for me. It was no different when I played too. I never looked at Pakistan as a different team. When you play at this level, you handle pressure every day. So I don't see it as a problem. India just have to go and play well. Bat well, bowl well. In big games, it is about keeping composure. Every World Cup game is a big game. When South Africa or New Zealand play India, it is as big as India-Pakistan, maybe even bigger. India vs South Africa is a bigger game than India vs Pakistan. If Australia qualify, India vs Australia is a bigger game too. There are no easy matches in the T20 World Cup. The players know that. They play the match, not the media hype around tough opponents," Sourav Ganguly said.

You won't want to miss this prior to the start of India's match against Pakistan at the #T20WorldCup 😍

Tournament broadcast details 👉 https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/FD886OaN0j

— ICC (@ICC) February 15, 2026

Pakistan great Hafeez feels, they have an edge due to Usman Tariq. “From a cricketing perspective, the hype around Usman Tariq is already a psychological victory for us. Right now, no one is talking about Babar Azam or anyone else. The focus is entirely on Tariq. He’s played just one or two matches for Pakistan, yet imagine the panic he’s causing in the Indian camp. They are specifically practicing against him in their sessions,” Hafeez told Tapmad.

Ex-PAK spinner Saqlain Mushtaq made an irresponsible comment, saying with tech ICC can change nature of the pitch. "With the kind of technology available today and the modern-day groundsmen, the pitch can change; you never know. We know under whose influence the ICC works."

As per some social media accounts, it is not raining in Colombo as of now. Overcast for sure.

"Colombo checking in: fully overcast, no sun in sight ☁️👀 Who ordered the moody weather?" 🌧️#PakVsInd
Abhishek Sharma #IndiaVsPakistan #T20WorldCup2026#INDvsPAK #Colombo #INDvPAKWatchlist pic.twitter.com/0gIDBCNkZm

— अनिल भारद्वाज (@Anil000789) February 15, 2026

But the situation can change quite dramatically there.

Yes, there is a lot of rain predicted but then, the cut off time for a 5-over match is 10.30 pm IST.. So there is a lot of time and the drainage system in Colombo is decent.

One of the biggest concerns will be regarding the fitness of certain players. Abhishek Sharma and Washi are among those. What that essentially means is, there will be some confusion regarding the combination India wants to go with.

There were reports until yesterday, that both teams might shake hands, after giving the tradition a skip in the Asia Cup last year. But now, as per a new report in Indian Express, Suryakumar Yadav will stick to not doing it again.

The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch is typically slow and gripping, favouring spinners as the match progresses. It offers a consistent early bounce but becomes two-paced with variable turn and grip on used surfaces. In recent T20 World Cup 2026 games here, spinners have dominated (low economy rates around 6-7 RPO), while pacers rely on variations like slower balls. Teams bowling first have had an edge in chasing, especially with dew or rain factors. Expect scores around 140-160 to be competitive, with spin likely key in the middle overs.

On February 15, 2026, Colombo is warm and humid (around 30-31°C), with high humidity (80-90%). But there is a prediction of scattered thunderstorms and showers, especially in the afternoon, with chances up to 50-70%. Conditions may improve later, but delays or a shortened match remain possible. The stadium has excellent covers and drainage, allowing quick resumption (45-60 minutes post-rain).

India and Pakistan have faced off 16 times in T20Is. India lead convincingly with 13 wins, Pakistan have 3 victories. In the T20 World Cup matches, India have a 7-1 record against Pakistan. 

India might hold a dominant 13-3 record in T20Is, but Pakistan's recent form makes them dangerous. Colombo's slow, spin-friendly pitch could favour teams with strong tweakers. Usman Tariq will be their ace as he has already troubled batters. India need to plan differently to counter his unorthodox bowling action. The potential rain interruptions might force a shortened game or delayed start. The ground's large outfield demands smart placement and variations.  

The blockbuster India-Pakistan encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium promises fireworks, with both sides unbeaten in Group A so far. Suryakumar Yadav's India, the defending champions, have displayed aggressive batting and potent spin bowling in wins over teams like the USA and Namibia. 

With the return of Abhishek Sharma, India’s batting will get a boost. However, it is a spin-friendly and slow pitch. That will level the playing field as Indian batters have struggled against all kinds of spin attack, including Namibia. India are yet to face the mystery of Usman Tariq and had an extensive practice session to counter his threat.