पाकिस्तान के खिलाफ आज उतरेंगे भारत के ये 11 धुरंधर, अभिषेक और सुंदर को मिलेगा मौका?

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 15, 2026 | Sports

भारत बनाम पाकिस्तान टी20 वर्ल्ड कप का मैच आज कोलंबो में खेला जाएगा. आर प्रेमदासा स्टेडियम की पिच स्पिनर्स के लिए मददगार रहती है, इस वजह से टीम इंडिया की प्लेइंग 11 में एक अतिरिक्त स्पिनर को शामिल किया जा सकता है जबकि अर्शदीप सिंह को बाहर बैठना पड़ सकता है. अभिषेक शर्मा खेलेंगे या नहीं, इसको लेकर सूर्यकुमार यादव प्रेस कांफ्रेंस में बोल चुके हैं.

टी20 वर्ल्ड कप के 10वें संस्करण में दोनों टीमें विजयी रथ पर सवार है. आज भारत और पाकिस्तान में से कोई एक जीत की हैट्रिक लगाएगा तो दूसरे को पहली हार झेलनी पड़ेगी. मौसम के मिजाज को देखते हुए उम्मीद की जा रही है कि शुरूआती ओवरों में तेज गेंदबाजों को स्विंग मिलेगी, जो बल्लेबाजों के लिए चुनौती पेश करेगा. हालांकि आर प्रेमदासा स्टेडियम की पिच स्पिनर्स के लिए मददगार रहती है, ऐसे में आज कुलदीप यादव या वाशिंगटन सुंदर में से किसी एक को प्लेइंग 11 में मौका मिल सकता है. अर्शदीप सिंह को बाहर बैठना पड़ सकता है.

दूसरे तेज गेंदबाज की भूमिका निभाएंगे हार्दिक पांड्या?

आज जसप्रीत बुमराह के रूप में सिर्फ एक तेज गेंदबाज को प्लेइंग 11 में शामिल किया जा सकता है, जबकि पॉवरप्ले में हार्दिक पांड्या 3 ओवर डाल सकते हैं. इसका अभ्यास भारत कर चुका है, नामीबिया के खिलाफ मैच में पांड्या ने पहला ओवर किया था. पिछले कुछ समय से हार्दिक अच्छी गेंदबाजी कर रहे हैं. उनके आलावा शिवम दुबे भी एक विकल्प रहेंगे.

कुलदीप या वाशिंगटन, किसे मिलेगा मौका?

वाशिंगटन सुंदर फिट होकर टीम के साथ जुड़ चुके हैं, हालांकि उन्हें आज भी बाहर बैठना पड़ सकता है. अक्षर पटेल और वरुण चक्रवर्ती के साथ कुलदीप यादव को तीसरे स्पिनर के रूप में आज प्लेइंग 11 में जगह मिल सकती है. कुलदीप अपनी गुगली से पाकिस्तान के बल्लेबाजों को परेशान कर सकते हैं.

अभिषेक शर्मा आज खेलेंगे या नहीं? सूर्या ने किया साफ

सूर्यकुमार यादव ने प्रेस कांफ्रेंस में कहा, “अगर आप चाहते हो कि अभिषेक शर्मा पाकिस्तान के खिलाफ 15 फरवरी को होने वाले मैच में खेले, तो वो जरूर खेलेंगे.” दरअसल इससे पहले पाकिस्तान के कप्तान सलमान अली आगा ने कहा था, “हम चाहते हैं वो खेले, क्योंकि हम इंडिया की बेस्ट टीम से भिड़ना चाहते हैं.” सूर्या ने साफ किया कि अभिषेक खेलेंगे.

भारत की संभावित प्लेइंग 11

ईशान किशन (विकेटकीपर), अभिषेक शर्मा, तिलक वर्मा, सूर्यकुमार यादव (कप्तान), हार्दिक पांड्या, शिवम दुबे, रिंकू सिंह, अक्षर पटेल, वरुण चक्रवर्ती, कुलदीप यादव, जसप्रीत बुमराह.

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IND vs PAK T20 Head-To-Head: Will Team India continue to dominate Pakistan?

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 15, 2026 | Sports

The India–Pakistan clash remains cricket’s most-watched rivalry, but in T20 cricket the numbers tell a clear story. As of February 15, 2026, India have won 13 of 16 T20Is against Pakistan and eight of the last 10 meetings, including a five-match winning streak heading into today’s contest. While Pakistan still edge the overall cross-format rivalry due to dominance in the 1980s and 90s, India’s control in the shortest format and global tournaments has reshaped the modern narrative. For fans and analysts alike, this head-to-head trend offers critical context ahead of another high-stakes encounter.

India vs Pakistan head-to-head record (Feb 2026)

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Overall rivalry (all formats)

Matches: 211

India wins: 80

Pakistan wins: 88

Tie/No Result: 43

Pakistan’s historical advantage stems from bilateral dominance in earlier decades, but modern ICC events have narrowed the gap significantly.

T20 Internationals

Matches: 16

India wins: 13

Pakistan wins: 3

Tie: 1 (India won bowl-out)

T20 World Cup meetings

Matches: 8

India wins: 7

Pakistan wins: 1

Tie: 1 (India won bowl-out)

India’s consistency on the biggest stages has been a defining feature of this rivalry in the 21st century.

Last 10 India vs Pakistan T20Is

India lead 8-2 and enter today’s match on a five-game winning streak.

Players who could decide today’s clash

India key performers

Abhishek Sharma

Strike rate 189.50 vs Shaheen Afridi

Match-winning 74 (39) in Asia Cup 2025

Aggression in the powerplay could neutralize Pakistan’s new-ball threat.

Suryakumar Yadav

Leading from the front in the current tournament

Tactical flexibility and 360-degree strokeplay disrupt bowling plans.

Varun Chakravarthy

World No. 1 T20I bowler

Mystery spin could be decisive on slow Colombo surfaces.

Jasprit Bumrah

India’s death-overs spearhead

Faces an interesting duel against Sahibzada Farhan.

Pakistan key performers

Sahibzada Farhan

51 off 34 vs Bumrah in recent meetings

Strike rate near 150 against India’s spearhead.

Usman Tariq

Mystery spinner with 11 wickets in 4 T20Is

Could exploit middle-overs pressure.

Salman Ali Agha

New captain tasked with stabilizing a fragile batting order.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Record 25 first-over wickets in T20Is

Early breakthroughs remain Pakistan’s biggest weapon.

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IND vs PAK Weather & Pitch Report From R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo: Will rain play spoilsport?

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 15, 2026 | Sports

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the R Premadasa Stadium faces a real rain threat, but current forecasts suggest the match could still begin on time at 7 PM IST. While afternoon showers and heavy cloud cover are expected in Colombo, the probability of rain during match hours ranges between 36 percent and 62 percent, with the highest risk around 8 PM. If interruptions occur, DLS calculations and dew could heavily influence the result. Here is a detailed weather and pitch breakdown ahead of the blockbuster.

Colombo Weather Report: Will rain disrupt IND vs PAK?

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A low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has increased instability across Sri Lanka, putting Sunday’s game under watch.

Key weather details

Rain probability: 50 to 70 percent during the day

Match hours (7 PM to 11 PM): 36 to 62 percent chance of rain

Cloud cover: Near 100 percent, overcast conditions

Humidity: 75 to 80 percent

Temperature: 23°C to 27°C in the evening

There are expected to be scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. The encouraging sign for fans is that some models indicate improvement closer to toss time. However, shifting wind patterns in the morning could still alter projections.

What rain means tactically

Teams may prefer bowling first due to possible DLS intervention.

A shortened game increases volatility, favouring aggressive top order batters.

Wet outfield conditions can aid stroke play but make gripping the ball difficult for spinners.

Given the stakes, captains are likely to factor in both rain probability and dew before making the toss call.

Pitch Report: Spin to dominate at Premadasa

The Premadasa surface has stayed true to its traditional black soil nature throughout the tournament.

Characteristics of the wicket

Slow and two-paced

Noticeable grip for finger and wrist spinners

Variable bounce on used strips

Difficult to hit through the line in middle overs

India and Pakistan are set to play on a used surface, which increases the likelihood of turn. In recent matches at this venue, spinners have controlled the tempo and forced batters into risky options.

Seamer’s role

Fast bowlers are unlikely to succeed with sheer pace. Instead, cutters, cross seam deliveries and change of pace variations will be crucial. Bowlers who can take pace off effectively could prove decisive.

Dew factor: The hidden game changer

If rain stays away and skies clear slightly after 8:30 PM, dew could enter the contest. Spinners may struggle to grip the ball in the second innings. Chasing becomes easier as the ball skids on. Fielding sides could find it hard to control length. This dual threat of spin early and dew later makes toss strategy extremely important.

Venue statistics: What history suggests

At the R Premadasa Stadium in T20Is:

Average 1st innings score: Around 143

Average 2nd innings score: Around 128

Defending totals has proven tricky when dew sets in

These numbers underline how challenging batting first can be, especially under pressure.

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Abhishek Sharma sends clear warning to Pakistan, dismantles bowlers in high-intensity practice – WATCH

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 14, 2026 | Sports

With the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 just hours away at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has sent a strong message to the opposition camp.

Abhishek, the world’s No. 1 T20I batter, recovering from a recent stomach infection, dominated the nets during India’s practice session on Saturday, hammering big sixes and displaying his trademark aggressive intent.

ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav mimics Usman Tariq’s ‘pause’ as India preps for Pakistan’s ‘Out-of-Syllabus’ mystery; Watch viral video

Back From The Brink

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Just days ago, Abhishek Sharma’s participation was in doubt after he spent around 48 hours in a New Delhi hospital. However, the latest footage shared by ICC on social media shows no signs of lingering weakness.

The 25-year-old left-hander, who missed India’s previous match against Namibia due to illness, returned to full training and showcased his destructive form.

Videos circulating from the session show Sharma taking on spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy with ease, smashing them to the boundaries of the Premadasa nets. He then shifted to face pacers, carting the ball with sheer power and minimal foot movement, relying on his fast hands and impeccable length judgment.

Why Abhishek’s Return Matter

Abhishek Sharma’s return is a massive boost for an Indian batting lineup that has looked slightly “scratchy” in the opening stages of this World Cup.

The Aggression Factor: Abhishek’s “slam-bang” approach is central to India’s T20 blueprint.

The Opening Pair: His return allows the lineup to stabilize, likely moving Sanju Samson back to the bench or into a middle-order role.

Notably, both India and Pakistan enter this high-voltage encounter unbeaten, having each secured two wins from their opening matches. However, the stakes are more than just points; a victory here almost certainly guarantees a spot in the Super 8s and provides a massive psychological edge for the remainder of the tournament.

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When did Pakistan last beat India at the T20 World Cup? Check date, year, venue, star performers and more

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 14, 2026 | Sports

The stage is set for the biggest spectacle in world cricket. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will be the epicenter of the sporting world as arch-rivals India and Pakistan clash in a critical Group A fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Both teams enter this high-voltage encounter unbeaten, having each secured two wins from their opening matches. However, the stakes are more than just points; a victory here almost certainly guarantees a spot in the Super 8s and provides a massive psychological edge for the remainder of the tournament.

ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav mimics Usman Tariq’s ‘pause’ as India preps for Pakistan’s ‘Out-of-Syllabus’ mystery; Watch viral video

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From Controversy To Calm

The lead-up to this match wasn’t without drama. Following a period of uncertainty and talk of a potential boycott by Pakistan, a “U-turn” by the Pakistan government – following a tripartite meeting between the ICC, PCB, and BCB – ensured the match would proceed. With the off-field distractions now settled, the focus shifts entirely to the 22 yards.

When did Pakistan last beat India at the T20 World Cup?

Pakistan’s last (and only) victory over India in T20 World Cup history occurred on October 24, 2021. This was during the Super 12 stage of the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held in Dubai. Pakistan delivered a dominant performance, chasing down India’s total of 151/7 with a stunning 10-wicket victory (with 13 balls to spare).

Babar Azam (68 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (79 not out) remained unbeaten, dismantling India’s bowling attack in a historic chase – the only time Pakistan has defeated India in T20 World Cup history.

Since that match, India has won all subsequent encounters:

2022 T20 World Cup (Melbourne): India won by 4 wickets (Virat Kohli’s iconic 82* chase).

2024 T20 World Cup (New York): India won by 6 runs (defending a modest 119).

Overall head-to-head in T20 World Cups (prior to any 2026 match): India leads 7-1 (including the 2007 bowl-out win after a tie).

The Historic 2021 Upset: Pakistan’s Lone Victory Over India in T20 World Cups

The India-Pakistan rivalry in cricket is one of the most intense in sports, but in the T20 World Cup format, India has long held the upper hand – except for one unforgettable night in Dubai on October 24, 2021.

Pakistan’s bowlers set the tone early, restricting India to a below-par total on a good batting pitch. Shaheen Afridi’s fiery new-ball spell removed both openers, while the pace trio (including Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali) kept the pressure on. India never truly recovered, finishing at 151/7.

In response, Rizwan and Babar produced a masterclass opening stand – the highest partnership for any wicket against India in T20Is at the time. They rotated strike effortlessly, punished loose deliveries, and sealed the chase without losing a wicket.

The victory was Pakistan’s first over India in any T20 World Cup edition, ending a streak of losses dating back to the 2007 tournament (where India won both the group match via bowl-out and the final).

This result was a massive boost for Pakistan fans and a rare moment of joy in a rivalry where India has otherwise dominated (winning the other seven T20 WC meetings, including tight contests in 2022 and 2024).

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IND vs PAK: Suryakumar Yadav responds to Salman Ali Agha’s comment, drops massive hint on Abhishek Sharma’s return- ‘If the Pakistan captain wants…’ – Watch

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 14, 2026 | Sports

With the cricketing world buzzing ahead of the blockbuster India vs Pakistan Group A match in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15, India captain Suryakumar Yadav delivered a classic dose of his trademark humor and confidence during the pre-match press conference.

The spotlight fell on explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been sidelined recently due to a stomach infection that required hospitalization. The left-hander missed India’s previous match against Namibia and his fitness for the high-stakes rivalry game had been a major talking point.

Notably, Abhishek, currently ranked as the world’s No. 1 T20I batter, has been in blistering form, amassing 1,297 runs in 38 T20Is at a stunning strike rate of 194.74, including two centuries and eight fifties.

ALSO READ: 7 captains to lead Rajasthan Royals in IPL history: Shane Warne, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag and…; check full list

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Suryakumar Yadav Responds To Salman Ali’s Comment

Suryakumar Yadav’s comments came in a cheeky response to statement made earlier by Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, who had expressed his desire to see India’s “best XI” on the field.

Agha emphasized wanting to face India at full strength, acknowledging Abhishek’s reputation as a dangerous player especially given his strong record against Pakistan, where he has scored 110 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 189.65.

“I really hope – we all know he’s (Abhishek) a good player – and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have,” Agha told reporters in the press conference.

When journalists informed Suryakumar of Agha’s comments regarding Abhishek’s fitness, the Indian skipper responded with a playful yet pointed quip that instantly went viral.

“If the Pakistan captain wants him (Abhishek Sharma) to play, we’ll play him tomorrow,” Suryakumar told reporters.

The Road To Recovery

Suryakumar Yadav’s light-hearted remark served multiple purposes: it confirmed Abhishek’s recovery and availability for selection, brushed aside any lingering injury concerns, and subtly underscored India’s confidence heading into the contest.

Notably, Abhishek’s availability had been the subject of intense speculation over the last 48 hours. Initial updates from the camp were cautious, with Surya himself suggesting earlier in the week that Abhishek might need to sit out “one or two games.” However, after a successful practice session at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the medical team has reportedly given the green light.

Why It Matters

Abhishek’s return is a massive boost for an Indian batting lineup that has looked slightly “scratchy” in the opening stages of this World Cup.

The Aggression Factor: Abhishek’s “slam-bang” approach is central to India’s T20 blueprint.

The Opening Pair: His return allows the lineup to stabilize, likely moving Sanju Samson back to the bench or into a middle-order role.

Psychological Edge: Pakistan’s former pacer Mohammad Amir recently labeled Sharma a “slogger,” adding extra spice to a battle that Surya seems more than happy to let his players settle on the pitch.

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