IND vs PAK LIVE score: SKY greets Tariq with a first-ball four- 108/2, no handshake adds edge to clash, Catch all T20 World Cup updates

Tilak Varma shifts gears; India 108/2 in 12 overs

Tilak Varma injects momentum back into the innings, stepping out to launch Mohammad Nawaz for a towering six over cover. The timely big hit eases the mounting pressure on the Indian batters. Ten runs come from the over as India move to 108/2 after 12 overs.

Surya greets Tariq with a boundary as India reach 98/2

Usman Tariq was introduced into the attack, and Suryakumar Yadav wasted no time in asserting himself, dispatching the first ball of the over to the boundary. However, the brief pause in momentum seemed to unsettle Tilak Varma, who chose a more cautious approach against the spinner. Pakistan managed to keep things under control thereafter, conceding just six runs in the over as India moved to 98/2 after 11 overs.

Nawaz tightens screws as India slow down

Mohammad Nawaz has been brought into the attack and delivered a tidy over, further slowing India’s momentum after Ishan Kishan’s dismissal. The scoring rate has dipped, with Suryakumar Yadav taking a cautious approach to assess the conditions against spin. Just three runs came off the over, taking India to 92/2 after 10 overs.

Ishan Kishan departs at 77

Pakistan have struck a crucial blow, with Saim Ayub removing the dangerous Ishan Kishan. The opener attempted to go for another boundary but missed the line completely and was bowled. Kishan, however, had already tilted the momentum India’s way with a brisk 77-run innings. India are 88/2 in 8.4 overs.

Ishan Kishan outshines Shadab Khan

Ishan Kishan's powerful performance reached a new mark as he smashed 17 runs in the first over of Shadab Khan. India is now standing at 82/1 runs after 8 overs. But there’s a brief halt in play as Ishan Kishan receives medical attention from the team physio. The Indian opener appears to be in visible discomfort, seemingly troubled by a hamstring issue, raising concerns in the middle.

Ishan Kishan slams 50

Ishan Kishan slams 50 in just 27 balls with the help of 8 fours and two sixes, decorating his innings with a 185.29 strike rate.

India ends powerplay with 52 runs

With the help of Ishan Kishan's 42 runs in 25 balls, India stood tall after getting the first shock in the very first over. Tilak Varma supported Kishan well with 10 runs in 7 balls. After the end of powerplay, India is now standing on 52 runs, losing 1 wicket.

Ishan Kishan starts steadily

As India lost their first wicket in the very first over of the match, Ishan Kishan shaped his innings steadily and helped the Indian team to get a good start. As of now, he made 41 runs in 24 balls.

From Durban to New York: What are the top five unforgettable moments in India vs Pakistan World Cup history?

India and Pakistan’s World Cup rivalry has consistently delivered high-voltage drama, unforgettable performances and nail-biting finishes. From the iconic bowl-out in Durban in 2007 to India’s thrilling five-run win in the same year’s final, the contests have shaped cricket history. Virat Kohli’s masterclass in Kolkata in 2016 and his heroic 82 at Melbourne in 2022 stand among the greatest T20 knocks ever played. In 2024, Jasprit Bumrah’s clinical spell in New York once again tilted the balance India’s way. As Pakistan win the toss and choose to bowl first in Colombo, another classic chapter now awaits in this storied rivalry. Read the full story here

Pakistan strike early, India 25/1 after 3 overs

Pakistan have made a strong start, with their decision to introduce spin early paying off immediately. One left-hander departed, and another, Tilak Varma, walked in at number three. Shaheen Afridi is operating from the other end to maintain pressure. Ishan Kishan countered with a boundary in the third over — a stroke that on another day might have chopped back onto the stumps — as India reached 25/1 at the end of three overs.

Abhishek Sharma out for a duck

Abhishek Sharma caught by Shaheen Afridi b Salman Agha.1/1, 0.6 Over

Playing XI

India playing XI vs PAK: 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 playing XI vs IND: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan(w), Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

No handshake at toss as IND and PAK captains cross paths

At the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha came face to face once again, but the customary handshake was notably absent.

Rohit fires up team India before Pakistan showdown

India’s 2024 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma was seen rallying his teammates with an energising pep talk at the venue ahead of their much-anticipated clash against Pakistan.

Pakistan wins the toss and chooses to bowl first

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first in the high-voltage clash. India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Kuldeep Yadav in place of Arshdeep Singh, while Abhishek Sharma replaced Sanju Samson. As expected, the team management appears to have adjusted the combination to strengthen both spin options and the top order. Notably, there was no handshake between the two sides before the start of play, adding further intensity to the contest. Meanwhile, Pakistan decided to stick with the same XI, showing faith in the combination that has served them well so far in the tournament.

Hanuman Kind set to perform ahead of India vs Pakistan clash

Indian rapper Hanumankind’s scheduled performance before the India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo has sparked widespread debate. While pre-match entertainment is common in major sporting events, critics argue that giving this high-profile rivalry a special musical build-up sets it apart from other World Cup fixtures. Some fans feel the added spectacle shifts focus away from cricket and raises questions about neutrality. Others see it as a natural commercial move, given the fixture’s massive global appeal. What was planned as a celebratory performance has now become a talking point about optics, balance and sporting fairness. Read the full story here

ICC’s pre-match spotlight on ‘Dhurandhar’ track sparks buzz ahead of IND vs PAK clash

The ICC’s announcement has added an extra layer of intrigue to the high-voltage encounter, especially since Hanumankind’s track is from the film Dhurandhar, which is banned in Pakistan. The development has fuelled excitement among Indian fans on X (formerly Twitter), who are eagerly anticipating the pre-match performance. Many users have expressed their enthusiasm at the prospect of Hanumankind belting out the ‘Dhurandhar’ rap on a global stage, with some even highlighting the irony of the performance taking place in the presence of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

New era begins in Colombo showdown

India are set to face Pakistan in a World Cup match without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the first time in 12 years, marking a significant generational shift. The iconic duo stepped away from T20Is after lifting the World Cup on June 29, 2024, closing a golden chapter in this rivalry. From the 2007 bowl-out thriller to Kohli’s unforgettable 2022 knock, Ro-Ko defined India’s World Cup clashes against Pakistan. Now, Suryakumar Yadav leads a new-look side featuring Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy. With rain threats and a challenging Colombo surface, the blockbuster promises fresh heroes and high drama. Read the full story here

Tight security in place outside R Premadasa Stadium for IND vs PAK clash

Heavy security arrangements have been deployed around the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo ahead of the high-profile India vs Pakistan match, according to media reports. Nearly 2,000 police personnel have been stationed on duty, with additional military checkpoints set up in the surrounding areas. Such extensive security measures are being described as unprecedented for a match in Colombo.

When is the IND vs PAK match toss?

The toss for the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan encounter is scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, with the match set to begin at 7 pm at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Indian squad is currently training ahead of the game, with Abhishek Sharma seen doing shadow practice.

What is India vs Pakistan’s head-to-head record in T20 World Cups?

India and Pakistan have faced each other 16 times in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history. India hold a clear upper hand, winning 12 of those encounters. Pakistan have managed three victories, while one match ended in a tie, underlining India’s dominance in this high-profile rivalry on the global stage. Can Pakistan close the gap in their next T2 0 World Cup clash, or will India extend their advantage further?

Key players to watch out for

India and Pakistan enter the Colombo blockbuster with several potential match-winners in focus. For India, Suryakumar Yadav’s ability to dominate spin, Tilak Varma’s composure under pressure, Hardik Pandya’s all-round impact and Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin could prove decisive. Pakistan counter with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s new-ball swing threat, Abrar Ahmed’s deceptive leg-spin, Usman Tariq’s unpredictable variations and Sahibzada Farhan’s aggressive powerplay intent. On a surface expected to assist spinners, middle-overs control and early breakthroughs will be crucial. The team whose key players execute better under pressure is likely to seize control of this high-voltage encounter. Read the full story .

Suryakumar Yadav to maintain stance on pre-match handshake vs Pakistan

India captain Suryakumar Yadav is set to continue the team’s position on the traditional pre-match handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha ahead of their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group clash in Colombo on February 15, according to The Indian Express. The move mirrors India’s approach during last year’s Asia Cup, held amid heightened tensions following ‘Operation Sindoor’. During that tournament, Indian players did not exchange handshakes with their Pakistan counterparts, a gesture that drew widespread attention each time the two sides faced off. India also declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman and Pakistan government official Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Pakistan in the final. When questioned about the handshake ahead of today’s fixture, Yadav responded, “You will see in 24 hours. Eat well, sleep well, we will see tomorrow.” Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Agha suggested that his team’s reaction at the toss would depend on India’s decision.

The average age of the players on both teams

The Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 carries an average age of 29.73 years, reflecting a largely experienced core. Nine players in the Indian setup are aged 30 or above, underlining the team’s reliance on seasoned campaigners. Suryakumar Yadav stands as the oldest member of the squad at 35, while Tilak Varma, at 23, is the youngest inclusion. In comparison, Pakistan’s squad has an average age of 28.6 years. Fakhar Zaman is their oldest player at 35, whereas Naseem Shah, just 23, is the youngest member in the lineup.

When and where to watch the match live?

The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network on TV. Additionally, cricket lovers can watch the game by logging into the JioHotstar app and website. However, a subscription will be required for this. The India-Pakistan match will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The game will start at 7 PM Indian time. Read full story

Hourly weather update at Colombo

Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has warned of a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, raising the rain probability to nearly 70%. One forecast model predicts 5.1mm of rainfall between 6–7 pm, followed by lighter drizzle (3.8mm) from 7–10 pm, a scenario that could result in a washout or a significantly shortened contest. Most weather models indicate a 50–60% chance of rain between 1 and 7 pm, suggesting possible delays. Similar drizzle was observed around 6 pm on Saturday after India concluded training. Both teams have four points from two matches; a washout would secure Super Eight qualification for both.

Predicted XI of IND vs PAK

India predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav Pakistan predicted XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.

IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: What will happen if the Colombo match is washed out?

As per the T20 World Cup 2026 Playing Conditions laid down by the ICC, "Save for circumstances where a match is awarded to a team as a consequence of the opposing team’s refusal to play (clause 16.2), all matches in which both teams have not had an opportunity of batting for a minimum of 5 overs (10 overs in the semi-finals and final), shall be declared a No Result. This means both teams must bat for at least five overs each for a result to be possible. Encouragingly, the chances of rain are expected to drop to 10 percent by 9:00 PM, keeping hopes alive for a full contest. Read the full story