The announcement of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule has set the stage for one of the most anticipated clashes in cricket history. India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, while both teams have commenced their tournament campaigns on a high note, securing victories in their respective opening matches. While the Indian side has registered two comprehensive wins, the Pakistan team, led by Salman Agha, has also remained undefeated in their first two fixtures, making this upcoming encounter crucial for Super-8 qualification.
The Historic 2012 T20 World Cup Encounter
Historically, India and Pakistan have faced each other only once in the T20I format at the R. Premadasa Stadium, while this meeting occurred during the 2012 T20 World Cup in the 20th match of the tournament. Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India elected to bowl first after winning the toss. The venue, known for assisting spinners and providing variable bounce, played a significant role in the proceedings of that match, which remains the only T20I reference point for these two rivals at this specific ground.
Dominance of Indian Bowlers in 2012
In the 2012 clash, the Indian bowling unit delivered a clinical performance to dismantle the Pakistani batting lineup. Lakshmipathy Balaji was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 22 runs. He was ably supported by Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuvraj Singh, both of whom picked up two wickets each, while 4 overs. The Pakistani batsmen struggled to build partnerships against a relentless Indian attack.
Virat Kohli’s Match-Winning Performance
Chasing a modest target of 129, India reached the finish line with significant ease. Virat Kohli played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 78 runs off 61 deliveries. His innings was characterized by technical precision and aggressive stroke play, which neutralized the Pakistani bowling threat. Opener Virender Sehwag contributed 29 runs, while Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten on 19. India achieved the target in just 17 overs with 8 wickets in hand, marking a dominant chapter in their T20 World Cup history against their neighbors.
India’s Overall Record at R. Premadasa Stadium
According to official statistics, the Indian cricket team maintains an excellent record at the R, while premadasa Stadium in T20 Internationals. Out of the 15 matches played at this venue, India has emerged victorious in 11 encounters, suffering defeat in only 4. Interestingly, three of those losses came against the host nation, Sri Lanka, and one against Australia. India’s familiarity with the conditions in Colombo has often translated into high-performance levels, a factor that remains relevant for the 2026 fixture.
Context of the 2026 World Cup Clash
As per tournament officials, the February 15 match is expected to be a high-stakes encounter as both teams vie for the top spot in their group. The R. Premadasa Stadium, with its large capacity and historical significance, provides a grand stage for this rivalry. With both India and Pakistan showing strong form in their early matches of the 2026 edition, the upcoming game is set to be a decisive factor in determining the momentum for the knockout stages of the tournament.