Colombo buzzes with tension as Pakistan seizes the initiative in their T20 World Cup group stage battle with India. Winning the toss at R Premadasa Stadium, skipper Salman Agha opted to bowl first, banking on early swing and potential dew later.
India responds with tactical tweaks: Abhishek Sharma slots in for Sanju Samson, adding aggression up front, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav takes Arshdeep Singh’s spot to exploit spin-friendly conditions. Pakistan remains unaltered, riding high on recent wins.
The head-to-head stats favor India overwhelmingly. In T20 World Cups, it’s 7-1 to India; overall T20Is, 12-3. Premadasa has been India’s fortress, with 11 triumphs in 15 outings. Their 2012 World Cup campaign here yielded 4 wins from 5.
Rain interruptions are possible, likely aiding spinners. Both teams enter unbeaten: India demolished USA (29 runs) and Namibia (93 runs); Pakistan overcame Netherlands (3 wkts) and USA (32 runs). Group A leadership is up for grabs.
India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (†), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (¢), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Pakistan XI: Sam Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (¢), Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan (†), Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
This clash isn’t just about points—it’s rivalry reignited. Will Pakistan upset the odds, or will India extend their dominance?