Last Updated on 2 months ago by Charbel Coorey

After a lot of drama, India and Pakistan will finally be against each other in the 27th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, will host this high-profile encounter on 15th February 2026 at 7 PM IST.

India has won both their games so far, but this will be a big encounter for them given the attention around it. Abhishek Sharma is expected to play this game, and it will be a big boost for the Indian side. 

Apart from that, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav’s good form and Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube performing their all-round duties well are the positives.

Arshdeep Singh was expensive in the last game, but he’s a wicket-taker. Also, while Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy haven’t been at their best; they’re quality players and proven performers. Overall, the Indian side is looking pretty balanced ahead of this game. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan has also won their last two games, and they’ll be confident coming to this big clash. Babar Azam finally looked in good touch against the USA. However, Saim Ayub and Salman Agha’s form is a concern, while Sahibzada Farhan has scored runs in both games so far. 

Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz too have failed to make an impact with the bat. Bowling-wise, Shaheen Afridi has looked off-colour, while Faheem Ashraf hasn’t bowled much.

So, Pakistan will heavily depend on their spinners. Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz will be the important bowlers. All in all, Pakistan will have to be at their toes to beat India for the first time since 2021.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 27th Match: IND vs PAK Probable Playing XIs

India: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Ishan Kishan (wk), 3. Suryakumar Yadav (c), 4. Tilak Varma, 5. Rinku Singh, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Shivam Dube, 8. Axar Patel, 9. Jasprit Bumrah, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Varun Chakaravarthy

Pakistan: 1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Salman Ali Agha (c), 4. Babar Azam, 5. Usman Khan (wk), 6. Shadab Khan, 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Shaheen Afridi,/Naseem Shah 10. Usman Tariq, 11. Abrar Ahmed

R. Premadasa Stadium Colombo Pitch Report and Weather

The boundaries are of decent size at the R. Premadasa Stadium, and the wicket also has something for the spinners. Batters, once set, can play their shots. Running between the wickets will be important in this game. The average first-inning score here has been 171 runs in 2026. Spinners and top-order batters will be crucial as teams must maximise the first six overs. 

Scattered thunderstorms and rain are predicted on the gameday. But we should get a game, as all this is forecasted before the game starts and the drainage system in Sri Lanka is good. Both sides will look to chase, considering the weather. 

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs PAK: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

• Ishan Kishan has been in terrific touch lately. He scored 61 runs in the last game off just 24 deliveries. He will look to attack from the word go and take the game away from Pakistan in the powerplay itself. Kishan will be a popular C/VC choice. 

Key batter picks: 

• Abhishek Sharma will be a key batter for India. He too will attack from the first ball and can be very dangerous on his day. He has 110 runs in three innings against Pakistan at an average of 36.66 and has struck at a rate of 189.65, including a fifty. Abhishek will be another top C/VC option.
• Tilak Varma will bat at three for India. He’s another in-form player and played a crucial knock in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan (69* off 53 balls). Tilak can play according to the situation, which makes him a must in your fantasy teams. 
• Suryakumar Yadav got out cheaply in the last game, but he’s in sublime touch and a good player of spin bowling, which will be crucial for India in this match. The captain has scored 338 runs at an average of 84.50 and strike rate of 182.70 in T20Is in 2026.

• Sahibzada Farhan has a good record against Jasprit Bumrah without getting dismissed. He’s scored runs in both games Pakistan has played so far. Farhan will be a key batter for his side at the top and a good fantasy pick.

Top all-rounder picks: 

• Hardik Pandya has 98 runs in seven innings against Pakistan and has picked up 15 wickets in nine games. He did an all-round job in the last game against Namibia. Hardik will be the best C/VC option for this game. 
• Shivam Dube, with his spin-hitting abilities, becomes a must in your fantasy teams. He can decimate spin on his day and will bowl a few overs too. Dube can turn the game around for India if he gets going. Try him as C/VC in some of your teams.

Key bowler picks: 

• Jasprit Bumrah has nine wickets in seven T20Is against Pakistan at an economy of 6.91. He’s a champion bowler and will be India’s best option with the ball for this game. Bumrah will look to choke the batters and put them under pressure. He is a good C/VC pick. 
• Varun Chakaravarthy is a genuine wicket-taker. The conditions will suit him for this game, and Pakistan’s middle order has struggled in the first two games. He will lead India’s spin attack and can pick up wickets in clusters on his day.
• Arshdeep Singh is another must-have in your fantasy teams. He can pick up wickets with the new ball and has seven wickets against Pakistan in four T20Is at a strike rate of 13.40. 

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Saim Ayub
• Axar Patel
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Rinku Singh

Other Matchups and Facts 

• India has won 7 of the 8 matches against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cups.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Abhishek Sharma: 19 balls, 36 runs, 0 wickets.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Suryakymar Yadav: 9 balls, 7 runs, 1 wicket.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 27th Match: IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 27th Match: IND vs PAK Match Prediction: Who will win?

India will start as the favourites to win this game, as their batting quality is better compared to Pakistan, with Axar Patel listed to bat at number 8. Pakistan’s biggest strength is their spin attack, and the Indian batters are strong against spin. India’s pace attack is better, and their batters are in good form too.

India to win.

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All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.