COLOMBO: Pakistan are gearing up for a high-octane encounter against their arch-rivals India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 later today, with team management expected to stick with the same winning combination that recently beat the United States.
Sources from Colombo suggest that Pakistan’s think tank is confident in the current squad, opting not to make any changes after a solid performance against the USA earlier this week. The decision reflects trust in both the team’s balance and momentum as they prepare for one of the tournament’s marquee matchups.
The anticipated line-up will see Salman Ali Agha lead the side and bat at number three, while Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub are projected to open the innings. Superstar batter Babar Azam is likely to take the fourth spot, followed by wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan, who will anchor the middle order.
Pakistan’s squad boasts impressive depth, with all-rounders Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf providing crucial flexibility and multiple bowling options.
On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead the pace attack, complemented by mystery spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, whose variations could be pivotal on the Colombo pitch.
Both India and Pakistan remain unbeaten in their respective group-stage campaigns, promising a thrilling showdown. Pakistan has already defeated the Netherlands and the United States, while India triumphed over the USA and Namibia, keeping their flawless start intact.
Historically, India has dominated T20 encounters between the two nations, winning 13 of 16 matches, with Pakistan taking three victories. In T20 World Cup-specific meetings, India lead 6-1, with one match ending without a result, underlining the challenge Pakistan faces in this high-stakes clash.
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this showdown, which promises intense action, star-studded performances, and another memorable chapter in the storied India-Pakistan rivalry.
Pakistan likely XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
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